Strong Storms Bring 40 MPH Winds, Hail to Grainger, Knox, Jefferson, N. Sevier

Residents in Grainger, Knox, Jefferson, and North Sevier counties should seek shelter indoors immediately due to strong thunderstorms. The National Weather Service in Morristown, TN has issued a Special Weather Statement effective until 9:00 PM EDT tonight, September 23, 2026.

At 8:17 PM EDT, Doppler radar detected strong thunderstorms moving south at 20 mph. These storms are impacting areas including Knoxville, Sevierville, New Market, Strawberry Plains, Blaine, House Mountain State Park, Maloneyville, Lake Forest, Mascot, and Joppa.

The primary hazards are wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail. These winds could lead to downed tree limbs and unsecured objects blowing around. Minor damage to vegetation from hail is possible. Torrential rainfall is also occurring, which may cause localized flooding. Do not drive through flooded roadways.