Strong to Severe Thunderstorms Across NE TN; Entering NC

Thunderstorms associated with a cold front are tearing across NE TN, and are now entering W NC. I've witnessed street flooding in Carter, Washington, and Unicoi counties as a result of the torrential rain associated with these storms. I actually drove home from Elizabethton in the middle of this. At one point on the 67 Freeway, I was doing 25 MPH, due to the torrential rain combined with gusty winds. AppalachianWX's official reporting station has recorded 1.40" of rain in a little more than an hour. Be extremely cautious while traveling.

Another major concern with these storms is the lightning. I witnessed strikes every two seconds or so while in Carter County. There is certainly a tremendous amount of lightning in these storms.

Expect the storms to weaken a bit after they hit the mountains. There is still a good amount of instability over North Carolina, so re-intensification is possible.

Please be extremely cautious while traveling tonight. Watch out for ponding water on roadways. Hydroplaning is a danger anytime there is water on a roadway.


6/29/07-9:41 PM