Good Wednesday to you!

I will echo Spencer’s sentiments from the Tuesday evening weather update, in terms of Hurricane Isaac’s impacts on the Tennessee Valley.

First thing this morning Isaac was a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph but as of the 10:00 AM update, Isaac’s maximum sustained winds are now at 75 mph. That would indicate a weakening of the storm, although on the radar, it looks impressive. You’ll see below that there’s still a defined eye and there is A LOT of rain wrapping around that eastern flank and it will surely continue to be a messy day along the Gulf Coast.

By this time tomorrow morning, Isaac will most likely no longer be a hurricane but the storm is surely taking it’s time moving NW. Here’s the latest cone with a look at Isaac’s forecasted location on Thursday evening:

Due to the storm’s forecasted location so far to our west, we’ll anticipate that the heaviest rainfall and highest severe potential will stay to our west. This is clearly indicated in the latest projected 5-Day rainfall totals:

As far as the storm’s impacts for the Tennessee Valley, I won’t say the severe threat is non-existent but it is small. As Spencer said, we’re forecasting a 30-40% chance of showers and storms west of I-65 Thursday and Friday, and a 20-30% chance to the east.

The bottom line: Stay weather aware, but don’t expect a washout!

So, what about the weekend? I want you to take a look at the rest of the cone of uncertainty:

Notice how Isaac is expected to meander generally along the Mississippi River and make a hard right before cruising into the Ohio River Valley? A few showers and storms could make their way into the Tennessee Valley as Isaac moves east but as we’ve been saying, the chances are small.

Here’s a look at your 7-Day Forecast:

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

- Samantha Smith