Tennesseans are bracing for severe weather conditions today as the National Weather Service (NWS) in Knoxville predicts a tumultuous mix of storms, including potential for tornadoes and heavy rainfall. This dire forecast covers large swaths of the Mid-South region, with "an outbreak of severe weather" that could bring "widespread damaging winds, very large hail to golf ball size or larger, and tornadoes, some of which could be strong," according to the NWS. The greatest tornado threat is targeted along and west of Interstate 75.

Residents are also warned of the possibility of "scattered to possibly numerous instances of flooding," with the most significant threat occurring "from the evening until early Thursday morning," the NWS indicated. Furthermore, a Flood Watch has been issued, set to begin this afternoon and extend through Thursday morning. Areas expected to be hardest hit include parts of southwest North Carolina, east Tennessee, and southwest Virginia.

The forecast promises that the storms will likely bring "heavy rainfall" due to "many rounds of showers and storms," leading to additional concerns over extensive flooding in areas already vulnerable. The NWS Knoxville update details that "new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible" today, escalating to "new rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible" overnight.

In preparation for these severe conditions, the NWS is urging people to remain vigilant and has called for the assistance of spotters. "Spotter reports will be needed today and tonight," the NWS statement highlights, acknowledging the role of local response in aiding meteorological efforts to track and gauge the impending weather hazards. As the region gears up for this wave of storms, the safety message is clear: "Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads." Most flood deaths occur in vehicles, a somber reminder of the risks posed by nature's untamable forces.

After the expected onslaught of severe weather, the outlook for the region looks to improve, with no hazardous weather expected following Tuesday. Nonetheless, the focus remains on the immediate dangers, urging communities to prepare and respond with utmost caution to the alerts and warnings issued by weather service professionals.