Tennessee storm warnings: Track the latest power outages, damage reports

Yahoo

20-05-2025

A line of severe storms will bring all modes of severe weather, including winds over 70 mph and the chance of tornadoes, to Middle Tennessee during the evening hours of May 20, according the National Weather Service in Nashville.
A tornado watch is in effect for all of Middle Tennessee until 10 p.m. May 20. Some parts of Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky are also included in the watch.
Wind will be the primary threat but tornadoes and hail are possible, "We will also see scattered thunderstorms ahead of the line and all modes of severe weather are possible with those storms," the weather service said.
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Storms are expected to move into the Nashville area between 5 and 7 p.m., possibly as early as 4, with 6 p.m. being most likely said National Weather Service Meteorologist Ryan Husted.
The weather service recommends remaining weather aware throughout the evening. While having multiple ways to receive weather warnings is a best practice, NOAA weather radios will not be in service until May 21 due to maintenance. This includes transmitters serving Clarksville, Waverly, Nashville, Centerville, Lobelville, Clifton, Lawrenceburg, Hickman, LaFayette, Cookeville, and Spencer.
Here's a look at the latest radar conditions, power outages and warnings issued as storms move through the area.
When a tornado watch is in place tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area, according to the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service suggests people who are in the warning area review and discuss their emergency plans, check supplies and have a safe room incase the weather takes a turn for the worse.
When a tornado warning is issued it means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property.
Here are some suggestions from the National Weather Service if a tornado warning is issued for your area:
Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building
Avoid windows
If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris
Warnings typically are for a much smaller area that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar, a trained spotter or law enforcement who is watching the storm, according to National Weather Service.
Tornado warnings are issued by your local forecast office.
Despite NOAA weather radios being offline, there are still plenty of ways to remain weather aware in the Nashville area. Here's how:
MEANS (Metro Emergency Alert and Notification System) - MEANS is a public safety program that provides you critical information in a variety of situations, such as weather notifications, criminal activity and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods. Sign up online at member.everbridge.net or download the MEANS mobile app, available on the App Store of Google Play.
Nashville Office of Emergency Management - Follow the Nashville Office of Emergency Management on Facebook and X to stay up to date and engaged. Although social media isn't always the most reliable way of receiving weather updates, the office routinely posts critical information.
National Weather Service - For the most up-to-date weather updates, visit the Nashville office of the weather service on their official website and follow their social media channels. Be sure to enable push notifications to receive timely alerts.
Tornado sirens - Davidson County's tornado warning siren system is designed to alert people when a tornado warning is issued for any part of the county. A tornado warning indicates that a tornado has either been detected by Doppler radar or visually confirmed by a trained spotter.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee storm warnings: Track power outages, tornado damage reports