Middle Tennessee weather: Severe storms possible Thursday; sunny Memorial Day weekend

Isolated strong to severe storms are possible across Middle Tennessee through the afternoon, the forecast showed.

"Already raining for a lot of us, but do expect multiples waves of showers and t'storms today," the National Weather Service Nashville tweeted Thursday morning. "Be sure to remain weather aware today and take quick action if a warning is issued. Storms will be moving quickly."

Winds topping 60 mph, small hail and intense downpours ae all possible, NWS said. Rain may be especially heavy along and east of Interstate 65, where an additional 1-2 inches of rain are possible today. Though the threat is low, an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, the forecast said.

Strong to severe storms are possible across Middle Tennessee today, NWS said.
Strong to severe storms are possible across Middle Tennessee today, NWS said.

The western part of the region, including Clarksville, Nashville, Franklin and Columbia, is under a marginal risk (level 1 of 5) for severe weather. The eastern half, including Murfreesboro and the Cumberland Plateau, is under a slight risk (level 2 of 5).

"After the rain moves out Friday morning, a fantastic Memorial Day weekend is in store with warm and dry conditions lasting into early next week," NWS Nashville tweeted.

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NWS urges weather awareness

The National Weather Service recommends having multiple ways to get weather updates.
The National Weather Service recommends having multiple ways to get weather updates.

As always, it's important to have multiple ways to get weather alerts, including cell phone push alerts from local media and weather apps; social media updates; local news coverage; and NOAA weather radios.

NWS recommends having an emergency kit you can quickly grab in case of an emergency. It should include essential supplies like food, water, flashlights, batteries, medicine, extra clothing and shoes, toiletries and even solar-powered chargers for electronic devices.

"If you get separated from family, make sure you have a place to meet or have an out-of-town contact to let know you are OK," the NWS said.

Learn more about how to prepare for severe weather and make an emergency plan at ready.gov/plan.

Nashville-area radar

Memorial Day weekend forecast for Nashville

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms possible throughout the day. Chance of precipitation is 80% during the day and 30% overnight. High: 78; Low: 59

Friday: Showers and thunderstorms possible throughout the day. Chance of precipitation is 30%, dropping to 20% in the evening. Otherwise partly sunny. High: 74; Low: 59

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 80; Low: 60

Sunday: Sunny. High: 86; Low: 65

Monday (Memorial Day): Sunny. High: 90; Low 68

Find reporter Rachel Wegner at rawegner@tennessean.com or on Twitter @rachelannwegner.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Middle TN, Nashville weather: Severe storm risk Thursday