Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – East Tennesseans are being urged to prepare for gusty winds and periods of heavy rain as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias move inland after an expected Gulf Coast landfall Friday.
Forecasters say Isaias has strengthened over the Gulf of Mexico, with sustained winds of around 85 miles per hour as it approaches the northern Gulf Coast. The storm is expected to make landfall Friday afternoon between Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida.
While the most significant impacts are expected along the Gulf Coast, where flooding rain, storm surge, and damaging winds are forecast, East Tennessee could experience notable weather effects as the system moves north through Mississippi, Alabama, and into Tennessee during the weekend.
Friday is expected to remain relatively quiet across the region, with partly to mostly cloudy skies and afternoon temperatures reaching the upper 70s to lower 80s.
However, Saturday and Saturday night have been designated as a First Alert Weather Day due to the potential impacts from the remnants of Isaias.
Meteorologists say the primary concerns for East Tennessee include:
Bands of Heavy Rain
Periods of rain are expected to develop Saturday, particularly across the Cumberland Plateau. While localized downpours are possible, widespread flooding is not currently anticipated for most of the region.
Highest Threat: Mountain Winds
The greatest concern is for the eastern Tennessee mountains and foothills, where a strong pressure gradient associated with the storm could trigger mountain-wave wind events.
Wind gusts in excess of 60 miles per hour are possible in the higher elevations and foothill communities, potentially leading to downed trees, scattered power outages, and hazardous travel conditions.
Gusty Winds Across the Valley
Elsewhere across East Tennessee, sustained winds of 15 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 45 miles per hour are possible Saturday evening and overnight.
The strongest winds outside the mountains are expected across the Cumberland Plateau.
Forecasters also note that an isolated brief tornado cannot be completely ruled out Saturday night, particularly on the Plateau, although the risk remains low at this time.
Sunday Outlook
Lingering showers are expected Sunday morning before gradually tapering off by evening. Breezy conditions will continue throughout the day, with wind gusts potentially reaching 30 miles per hour.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecast updates, secure outdoor items, and prepare for the possibility of isolated power outages, especially in the mountains and foothill communities.
