2021 to make a stormy exit in East Tennessee with possible flash flooding and tornadoes – Knoxville News Sentinel

It’s wet and dreary outside, and East Tennesseans should prepare for an even drearier New Year’s holiday.
According to a hazardous weather outlook from the National Weather Service, showers and thunderstorms should hit East Tennessee during the next five days.
“Damaging winds are the primary hazard expected, but a tornado cannot be ruled out either,” the National Weather Service said in an alert.
Cities in the southeast region of Tennessee have the highest risk of seeing severe thunderstorms and tornadoes between 7 p.m. and midnight today. Storms could impact areas of Western North Carolina and Southwest Virginia, too. 
“The main areas that will likely see elevated chances of rain will be across the (Cumberland) Plateau,” said Allan Diegan, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “The bulk of the heavier precipitation moves in this evening.”
Diegan also warned that flash flooding could be possible in some areas today and tomorrow. 
Another storm system will move in on Friday, and the worst storms could come Saturday, Diegan said.
“Depending on how much rain occurs today and Thursday, the additional rain over the weekend could cause more widespread flooding,” the alert said. 
Here’s a look at what’s coming for Knoxville in the next five days:
Thunderstorms could hit this afternoon and continue through the evening, bringing up to a half-inch of rain.
After the precipitation clears, the sun will likely come out on Thursday, and the high will be 69. 
Rain begins again, with potential thunderstorms hitting after 4 p.m.
East Tennesseans will be ringing in the New Year with a 100% chance of rain on Saturday and a predicted high of 70. 
Temperatures are projected to drop dramatically, with a predicted high of 49, according to the NWS. Rain is likely in the early morning.

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