The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for 31 counties, predominantly in Middle Tennessee, including Nashville, set to be in effect from January 9 through the morning of January 10. Residents should prepare for substantial rainfall, with forecasts indicating accumulations ranging from 1 to 3.5 inches.
As noted by the weather service, showers are expected to start tonight, intensifying by Friday. The most significant rainfall will likely occur on Friday night, with many areas seeing 2 to 3 inches, and potentially more in localized spots. The heavy downpours are expected to contribute to flash flooding on streets and in low-lying areas, particularly affecting small streams and tributaries of the Duck River.
In addition to the anticipated rain, meteorologists are monitoring the potential for severe thunderstorms associated with the incoming storm system. While the risk for severe storms remains relatively low, conditions could produce heavy rain along with gusty winds. The weather service cautioned that there’s a slight possibility for some storms to become severe, creating a low-end tornado threat due to strong wind shear.
As the rain subsides, temperatures are expected to drop significantly, with overnight lows forecasted to reach freezing and daytime highs hovering around the 40s in the following days. The 7-day weather forecast for Nashville predicts mostly cloudy conditions on January 9, with a 90% chance of showers or thunderstorms. The weather will gradually clear up, leading to sunny days ahead, including highs near 55 by January 13.
As Middle Tennessee braces for this weather event, staying informed and prepared is crucial, ensuring safety during the impending rain and subsequent cold snap. Overall, after the storm passes, residents can look forward to clearer skies and cooler temperatures.