Strong Low Pressure System Moves Across Portions of Southeast! (credit: NWS Morristown, Tennessee)

DISCUSSION: As of earlier this evening, there was a very impressive radar signature observed across portions of eastern Tennessee.  If you are wondering the reason for why there was a vortex-type signature by way of the Hytop, Alabama radar site, the answer is attached below courtesy of the National Weather Service office located in Morristown, Tennessee.

Answer: It's the center of a deep low pressure system currently moving (slowly) through the Southern Tennessee Valley. Pressures as low as 984 mb have been recorded in Chattanooga. That's comparable to a strong Category 1 hurricane!  Strong, gusty gradient winds in the 30-50 mph will be possible overnight and into the early morning hours, which could produce some sporadic tree damage! Also, moderate to heavy rainfall will produced localized flooding issues in low-lying and urban areas. The primary area that will be impacted by these is the Southern Plateau, Southern Tennessee Valley, and East Tennessee Mountains. However, gusty winds will be felt well northeast into the Central Valley and the Knoxville Metro as well.

To learn more about other high-impact weather occurring across North America, be sure to click here!

©2017 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz