Sunday & Monday are FirstWARN Tri-Cities Weather Aware Days due to mountain wind, severe weather, and snow

A dynamic weather system will move into the region beginning Sunday and continue into Monday, bringing strong mountain winds, two rounds of severe weather potential, and even some snow. Here’s a breakdown of what we’re watching:

High Winds – Mountains

A High Wind Warning has been issued for the mountains of East Tennessee from 2 AM Sunday through 10 AM Monday.

• Sustained winds: 25–40 MPH

• Wind gusts: up to 65 MPH

• Isolated gusts over 75 MPH possible in areas such as Camp Creek

These winds could lead to downed trees and scattered power outages, especially in higher elevations.

 Severe Weather Potential #1 (Sunday Evening)

📍 Western North Carolina & Grayson County, VA

A warm front lifting north Sunday evening may allow storms to develop along it.

• Timing: 8 PM – 1 AM

• A few storms could rotate, meaning a tornado warning or two cannot be ruled out if storms form in these areas.

This is currently a low threat, but something residents in those areas should monitor.

Severe Weather Potential #2 (Overnight Monday – Areawide)

This is our main concern.

A line of showers with embedded storms will move west to east between 2 AM and 10 AM Monday.

Main threats include:

• Damaging wind gusts of 60–70 MPH

• Heavy downpours

• Isolated tornado possible, especially near the VA/KY border

Even though storm fuel will be limited, a very strong low-level jet will help storms remain strong to locally severe as they move through.

Important note:

Even storms with little or no lightning could still produce damaging winds, meaning Severe Thunderstorm Warnings could still be issued.

Since this threat occurs overnight, make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings that will wake you up if needed. Strong storms could also impact the Monday morning commute.

❄️ Snow Possible Monday:

Behind the cold front, temperatures will drop quickly, allowing rain to change to snow late Monday morning through the evening.

• A quick burst of snow is possible as temperatures fall

• Northwest flow snow showers will favor the mountains through Monday evening

• Valley flurries or snow showers are possible

Expected snowfall:

• Tri-Cities: Dusting possible if heavier snow showers occur

• Southwest Virginia: Dusting to locally an inch

• Above 3,000 feet: 1–3 inches possible

With temperatures dropping into the teens Monday night, a few slick roads cannot be ruled out in higher elevations.

Bottom Line:

Sunday (especially late) and Monday will be good days to stay weather aware due to:

• Strong mountain winds

• Two chances for severe storms

• Snow showers and colder air behind the system

We will continue to update the forecast and provide LIVE coverage if warnings are issued Sunday evening or early Monday morning.

Stay weather aware and keep checking back for updates.