The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for much of East Tennessee, effective until 11:00 PM EDT Thursday, May 8, 2025. Areas under the watch include Knoxville, Chattanooga, Morristown, Kingsport, Athens, Middlesborough, and Norton, as well as London and Berea in southeastern Kentucky. Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and evening across the region.

Forecasters warn of the potential for scattered hail up to two inches in diameter, wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour, and frequent lightning. The watch area includes over 3.2 million residents, 1,044 schools, and 97 hospitals. This is Severe Thunderstorm Watch #240, issued by the Storm Prediction Center. Residents are advised to stay weather-aware, review severe weather safety plans, and be prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued.