The Nashville Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reminds everyone to stay weather aware while enjoying several special events throughout the area during this weekend.
Some of the events include:
- Tennessee State University (TSU) Homecoming Parade and football game at Nissan Stadium.
- Vanderbilt versus Louisiana State University (LSU) Football Game
- Nashville Soccer Club versus Inter Miami at Geodis Park.
- Southern Festival of Books at Bicentennial Mall
The Nashville Office of the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts that a cold front will bring a line of showers and thunderstorms Saturday evening into Saturday night. Some of the storm could be strong to severe mainly along and west of I-65. Winds will be the main threat, but tornadoes can't be ruled out.
OEM will continue to monitor the weather closely and will be working directly with Fire and Police throughout these events.
What to Expect
- Warm, dry weather Friday.
- Strong to severe storms will be possible late Saturday night into early Sunday morning
- Much more fall-like temperatures next week with only low rain chances
Saturday-Sunday Storms
- There is uncertainty about how much atmospheric fuel will be available for storms. This could limit the severe risk.
- If there is enough fuel, some severe storms will be possible
- Primary threat: damaging winds
- Secondary threats: low-end tornado threat, small hail
- Any potential severe threat is highest along and west of I-65
- Note: This will be a nighttime event.
NWS forecast a low probability (level 1 out of 5) of severe storms.
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) uses a five-point scale, ranging from "Marginal" to "High" Risk, and an Enhanced Risk is the middle option.
OEM will monitor weather updates and send out information on any major changes. OEM Field Response staff and Emergency Support Unit (ESU) members are operationally ready to respond if needed.
Make sure to stay weather-aware, check your emergency kit and safety plan and have multiple ways to receive warnings.
For important safety information and weather updates sign up for the Metro Emergency Alert and Notification System. (MEANS) It is free to download.
Monitor local news and weather channels or websites for severe weather alerts and warnings. Check the National Weather Service website for the latest information.
Prepare for high winds now before the severe weather
- Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
- Secure loose gutters and shutters.
- Identify an interior room of your house, such as a basement or interior bathroom, that you can take shelter in during high wind warnings.
- If you live in a mobile home, identify a sturdy building you can go to if NWS issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm warning.
- Charge batteries of all essential items such as cell phones and booster packs, weather radios and power tools such as a reciprocating saw, which you might need to clear debris.
- Update your emergency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for 3 days for each person in your home.
- Make a list of items outside your home you will need to tie down or put away so that they don't blow away or fly through a window. When NWS issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm watch, immediately secure these items to avoid damage or injury once the wind starts picking up.
Food Safety During a Loss of Power:
Refrigerated Food and Power Outages: When to Save It and When to Throw It Out
As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.
After a power outage, never taste food to determine its safety. You will have to evaluate each item separately—use this chart as a guide. When in Doubt, Throw it Out!
Download Refrigerator Safety Chart
Frozen Food and Power Outages: When to Save It and When to Throw It Out
A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed). Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F (4°C) or below, however, its quality may suffer. Never taste food to determine its safety. Use this chart as a general guide.
Download Freezer Safety Chart
Portable Generator Safety
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust by operating your generator outside for proper ventilation.
- Never refuel your generator when it is running. Let it cool down first.
- Do not store fuel in a garage, basement or inside your home. Vapors can be released that can cause illness and are a potential fire hazard.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector inside your home to warn you in case of a gas leak.
- Never hook up a generator directly to your home's electrical service or wiring. This can cause back feeding and poses a serious risk to NES line workers.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
NES Power Outage Center
NES Power Outage Tips
TDOT Smartway Map
