Flash Report #1 Severe Weather

Sunday, March 16, 2025 | 04:24pm

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville maintains a Level 4 – Elevated status to support local requests following severe weather and to continue Tropical Storm Helene recovery. 
  • Emergency Services Coordinators (ESCs) representing state departments and partner agencies are monitoring the situation and standing by to aid local jurisdictions.
  • Many roadways have been impacted by flooding. Before going out, visit TDOT’s SmartWay website.

CURRENT SITUATION

Several rounds of significant severe weather impacted Tennessee March 14 - 15, 2025. The National Weather Service issued more than 60 watches and warnings for hazardous weather, including tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flooding. 

On March 16, the NWS Nashville storm damage survey team surveyed EF-1 tornado damage in Bedford and Rutherford counties, near Christiana.  Preliminary information shows the tornado traveled 4.5 miles between US 41A and US 231 with a maximum wind speed of 95 mph on the afternoon of March 15.

Many areas of the state that have reported downed trees and weather-related flooding.  Please check the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) SmartWay website for closures or other impacts. 

Several counties are conducting damage assessments due to the severe weather. If a home or property sustained damage during this weather event, we encourage Tennesseans to take photos of damage before cleanup efforts, if possible. We also encourage Tennesseans to report damage to their local emergency management agency.

TEMA stands ready to support and coordinate with state and local partners to provide assistance, as requested.

POWER OUTAGES & UTILITIES

As of 5 p.m. CDT, there were less than 4,100 reported power outages across the state.

The Town of Woodbury (Cannon County) has issued a Boil Water Notice for customers until March 18 due to flooding at Woodbury Water Treatment Plan.

TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

The Tennessee Department of Health has not reported any weather-related fatalities.

TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL

Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is providing assistance with law enforcement responsibilities.

TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

  • TDOT is continuing to monitor road conditions due to flooding.
  • Several roads have been closed due to flooding impacts. Check road conditions on TDOT’s Smartway map.

KEY MESSAGES

  • Do not enter damaged buildings or hazardous locations.
  • Do not drive through flooded roadways and walkways.
  • If your house or property sustained damage, take pictures before cleanup efforts and contact your
    insurance company. Complaint line for insurance: (615) 741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029.
  • Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance.

FORECAST

Memphis: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light north northwest after midnight. 

Jackson: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 32. West northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Nashville: Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 32. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Knoxville: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers between 11pm and midnight. Increasing clouds, with a low around 36. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%

Chattanooga: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.