The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for northeastern Polk County, southeastern McMinn County, and southwestern Monroe County in east Tennessee. The warning is in effect until 5:15 PM EDT this evening.

At 4:33 PM, a severe thunderstorm was detected 7 miles east of Etowah or approximately 14 miles south of Madisonville, moving north at 15 miles per hour. Radar indicated the storm is producing wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to the size of quarters.

Residents in the path of the storm can expect hail damage to vehicles, along with potential wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Communities likely to be impacted include Bullet Creek, Coker Creek, Mount Vernon, Tellico Plains, Englewood, and Madisonville.

The National Weather Service advises those in the affected area to take shelter immediately, moving to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building for protection.