High Wind Warning Issued for East Tennessee Mountains; Gusts Up to 75 MPH Possible
The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for the Smoky Mountains and surrounding counties, effective from early Sunday through Monday morning.
Alert Details
A High Wind Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Morristown, TN. The alert is in effect from 2:00 AM EDT Sunday, March 15, until 10:00 AM EDT Monday, March 16.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the following regions in Tennessee:
- Blount Smoky Mountains
- Cocke Smoky Mountains
- Johnson County
- Sevier Smoky Mountains
- Southeast Carter County
- Southeast Greene County
- Southeast Monroe County
- Unicoi County
What You Should Do
Residents are advised to remain in the lower levels of their homes during the windstorm and stay away from windows. Be alert for falling debris and tree limbs. If you must drive, use extreme caution, as travel will be difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles. Prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages.
Expected Conditions
South winds between 25 and 40 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 65 mph. The National Weather Service notes that the Sunday night period will likely see the greatest coverage of the strongest gusts. In favorable mountain wave locations, such as Cove Mountain, locally higher wind gusts of up to 75 mph are possible. These damaging winds are expected to blow down trees and power lines.
Timeline
- Alert Effective: Sunday, March 15, at 2:00 AM EDT
- Alert Expiration: Monday, March 16, at 10:00 AM EDT
- Peak Intensity: Sunday night is expected to be the most favorable time for the strongest wind gusts.
Source: NOAA Official Notice
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