The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement saying an outbreak of severe thunderstorms is expected across the Eastern Tennessee Valley and Southern Appalachian Region this afternoon and into the evening.

A strong upper-level storm system will move into the region on today. The associated cold front is expected to trigger scattered to numerous severe thunderstorms during the afternoon into the evening. Damaging straight-line winds in excess of 60 mph and hail up to the size of baseballs will be possible with these storms. A few tornadoes will also be possible with the strongest storms. Additionally, a localized strong tornado cannot be ruled out, particularly along the Cumberland Plateau, across southeast Tennessee, and across southwest North Carolina.

A strong cold front will move across area Wednesday night with colder air spilling into the southern Appalachians. The cold air will allow the rain showers to change to snow across the higher elevations Thursday morning. Snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are possible at elevations at or above 4000 feet, and 1 to 3 inches between 2500 and 4000 feet, by Thursday evening. Heavier amounts are possible across the highest elevations. A dusting or less of snow is expected elsewhere in areas below 2500 to 3000 feet. After this system moves through winds out of the northwest will increase Thursday into Friday, especially in the higher elevations. Winds of 30-40 mph with higher gusts will be possible, especially at elevations above 2500 feet. A Wind Advisory may be needed at a later time to address this.

Please stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio and other local media for further details or updates.

According to the National Weather Service, the following areas are included in this warning:  

• Carter County

• Johnson County

• Unicoi County

• Washington County (Tennessee)

• Sullivan County

• Greene County

• Washington County (Virginia)