Tennessee Braces for Severe Weather Season

Meteorologists warn residents to prepare for potential tornadoes, damaging winds, and flooding

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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As Tennessee enters its most active severe weather season from March through May, forecasters and officials are urging residents to review their emergency plans and make sure they are prepared. The state has experienced several deadly severe weather events in recent years, including tornado outbreaks, damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall leading to flooding. Tennesseans are advised to stay vigilant, have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, and be ready to take action quickly when severe storms approach.

Why it matters

Tennessee is no stranger to severe weather, with the state averaging around 31 tornadoes per year. Residents need to be prepared for the potential threats of tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and flooding during the upcoming spring severe weather season. Taking proactive steps now can help save lives and minimize property damage when the next round of storms hits.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, Tennessee's primary severe weather season runs from March through May, though the state can experience tornado outbreaks and other extreme weather events year-round. In 2025, Middle Tennessee was impacted by several rounds of severe storms, including a tornado outbreak on May 20 that produced an EF-1 tornado with 85 mph winds, baseball-sized hail, and widespread damaging winds. Heavy rainfall also led to flash flooding concerns. Meteorologists say there is nothing currently standing out as significantly different for the 2026 severe weather season, so residents should remain vigilant.

  • Tennessee's severe weather season typically runs from March through May.
  • In 2025, a series of deadly severe weather events affected Middle Tennessee from March through May.

The players

Paige Baggett

A meteorologist with the Nashville National Weather Service who is urging Tennesseans to prepare for the upcoming severe weather season.

Ryan Husted

A National Weather Service meteorologist who says Tennessee can experience tornado outbreaks and other extreme weather events year-round, not just during the primary severe weather season.

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What they’re saying

“We are no stranger to severe weather here in Tennessee as we experience everything from tornadoes and damaging winds to flash flooding and extreme temperatures.”

— Paige Baggett, Meteorologist, Nashville National Weather Service (The Tennessean)

“As we head into our most active weather season, take this week to make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings and review your safety plans.”

— Paige Baggett, Meteorologist, Nashville National Weather Service (The Tennessean)

What’s next

Residents should review their emergency plans, ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, and be prepared to take action quickly when severe storms are forecasted.

The takeaway

With Tennessee's history of deadly severe weather events, including tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and flooding, it is crucial for residents to take proactive steps to prepare for the upcoming spring severe weather season and stay vigilant year-round.