Governor Bill Lee issues a State of Emergency as severe storms are expected the next few days in parts of the state. This storm system is expected to hit the West and Middle Tennessee parts of the state and are expected to last through Saturday.

• The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville remains activated at a Level 3 – State of Emergency status to support local response and requests amid severe weather and heavy rainfall, and to continue Tropical Storm Helene recovery. 
• Governor Bill Lee requested an Emergency Declaration for Tennessee on April 2, 2025. The request includes federal assistance in the form of FEMA Public Assistance Category A (Debris Removal), Category B (Emergency Protective Measures), and Direct Federal Assistance.
• The National Weather Service continues to issue Tornado Warnings and Flash Flood Warnings in West and Middle Tennessee. We encourage Tennesseans to continue to monitor weather conditions and follow guidance from local officials.
• 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 debris in West Tennessee. Before going out, visit TDOT’s SmartWay website.

CURRENT SITUATION

Several rounds of significant severe weather impacted West and Middle Tennessee April 2-3, 2025. At this time, West and Middle Tennessee continue to experience severe weather with several counties reporting impacts. Major damage has been reported in Fayette, Hardeman, and McNairy counties. 

TEMA personnel have deployed at the request of counties and are coordinating with local officials to support response efforts. There are several reports of downed trees on roadways.  Please check the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) SmartWay website for closures or other impacts. 

Severe weather is expected to resume this afternoon (April 3) and will continue through the night for the western and middle regions. In addition, rainfall totals through Sunday are forecast to be up to 15 inches for much of West Tennessee, with some areas possibly receiving more.

 POWER OUTAGES & UTILITIES

As of 4 a.m. CDT, there were more than 15,400 power outages reported across the state.  That number includes more than 6,200 reported outages in Shelby County, 2,500 in Montgomery County, and 1,600 in Robertson County.

TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

• The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed two weather-related fatalities.
  • One in McNairy County
  • One in Obion County

 TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL (THP)

• THP is providing assistance with law enforcement responsibilities.
• A THP Strike Team deployed to McNairy County to support local officials.

 TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (TDOT)

• Crews are working to clear reported debris on several roadways in West Tennessee.
• Please give TDOT and highway department vehicles space to operate.
• Several roads may have debris or flooding impacts. Check road conditions on TDOT’s Smartway map.

PROTECTIVE ACTIONS/KEY MESSAGES

• Do not enter damaged buildings or hazardous locations.
• Do not drive through flooded roadways and walkways.
• If there is a Flood or Flash Flood Warning issued, move to higher ground immediately.
• Have multiple ways to receive alerts. Test your weather radio to make sure it is functioning properly.
• If your house or property sustained damage, and it is safe to do so, 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: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8am, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 8am and 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 3pm. Some of the storms could be severe. High near 75. East northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Jackson: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 2pm and 4pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 75. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.

Nashville: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 3pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 3pm and 4pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. High near 76. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Knoxville: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon, then a slight chance of showers after 5pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Chattanooga: Partly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.