Tennessee, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Severe storms have prompted tornado warnings along the Tennessee/Alabama border, affecting Franklin, Smith, Wilson, and Trousdale counties. The National Weather Service warns of life-threatening tornado risks and flash flooding, with projected rainfall of 6-8 inches by the week’s end. Wind advisories are in place as dangerous wind conditions are expected. Residents are advised to stay informed and prepared as severe weather patterns persist over the weekend.
Nashville, Tennessee – The National Weather Service has issued a tornado alert for the Tennessee/Alabama border as severe storms continue to impact the region. On Wednesday afternoon, Franklin County is under a tornado warning that will remain effective until 4:30 p.m. As of the latest reports, no active tornado warnings are present in Middle Tennessee; however, a tornado warning has been issued for Smith, Wilson, and Trousdale counties, with the alert lasting until 10:15 a.m. Thursday.
A tornado watch for Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky expired on Thursday morning, following a particularly hazardous tornado watch which was in place on Wednesday afternoon, signaling the risk of life-threatening tornadoes. The severe weather threat extends across multiple days, with expectations of severe storm activity and flash flooding.
The forecast for Wednesday evening into overnight indicates that counties in northwest Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky face a Category 5 risk for severe weather, suggesting an elevated concern for dangerous storms. Wind conditions are also a factor, with sustained winds predicted at 20-25 mph, alongside gusts reaching up to 45 mph. A wind advisory is active until 4 a.m. Thursday.
On the night of Wednesday through early Thursday morning, Tennessee experienced a series of tornado warnings from 9 p.m. to 5:45 a.m., contributing to over 140 weather warnings statewide, which included 53 tornado warnings along with numerous flash flood and severe thunderstorm alerts. There have been reports of some tornado sirens in Nashville malfunctioning due to drained batteries from prolonged use during the severe weather.
Looking ahead, the severe weather and potential for flooding is predicted to last throughout the weekend, with total rainfall projections indicating between 6-8 inches by week’s end. Certain areas with inadequate drainage systems are particularly vulnerable to flash flooding.
Residents west of Nashville can expect a tornado watch that lasts until 8 p.m. Friday, highlighting the potential for damaging winds and torrential downpours. Storm chances are predicted to increase on Friday afternoon and are likely to recur similarly on Saturday afternoon. In light of these dangerous conditions, residents are urged to take precautions, including downloading weather applications and subscribing to alert services for vital emergency updates.
Severe Weather Alerts Summary
- Location: Tennessee/Alabama border affected
- Current Warnings: Tornado warnings in Franklin, Smith, Wilson, and Trousdale counties
- Weather Risks: Severe storms, flash flooding, damaging winds
- Rainfall Projections: 6-8 inches by the end of the week
- Wind Advisory: Sustained winds 20-25 mph, gusts. up to 45 mph
- Warnings Issued: Over 140 including tornado, flash flood, thunderstorm warnings
Background and Context
The ongoing severe weather patterns result from a low-pressure system moving through the Southeastern United States, which heightens the risk of tornadoes and heavy rainfall. Tornado watches and warnings are essential tools for alerting the public of imminent severe weather threats. With the influx of moisture and instability in the atmosphere, weather conditions can change rapidly, prompting officials to issue repeated alerts to ensure the safety of all residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are currently under a Tornado Warning?
Currently, Franklin County is under a Tornado Warning until 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, and Smith, Wilson, and Trousdale counties have warnings through 10:15 a.m. Thursday.
What should residents do during a Tornado Watch?
Residents should stay informed about weather conditions, download weather apps, and subscribe to alert services for emergency updates.
How much rain is expected this week?
Rainfall totals are projected to reach between 6 to 8 inches by the end of the week.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorms Lead to Flash Flood Warnings in Franklin County, TN
East Nashville Woman Arrested After Series of Crashes
Nashville Faces Dangerous Heat Wave; Health Officials Urge Residents to Take Precautions
Public Building Authority of Manchester Resigns Amid Storms
School Closures in Middle Tennessee Due to Severe Weather
Middle Tennessee Schools Close Due to Severe Weather
Historic Flooding Grips the South and Midwest
Record Rainfall Causes Severe Flooding Across Mid-South
Tennessee Faces Severe Weather Crisis as Tornadoes and Flooding Claim Lives
Central US Faces Severe Weather and Flooding Risks
Additional Resources
- WSMV: Tornado Warning Issued in Tennessee Border County
- Fox17: More Severe Weather for Middle Tennessee This Week
- Tennessean: Weather Warnings in Nashville and Middle Tennessee
- New York Times: Tornado Sirens in Nashville
- WKRN: Severe Thunderstorms to Impact Late Sunday into Early Monday
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- Google Search: Severe Weather Tennessee
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Alerts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- Google News: Storm Warnings Tennessee
Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
