High Wind — Knox, Tennessee

2024-09-27 · Knox, Tennessee

Event narrative

Approximately 100 calls were logged by the Knox 911 dispatch for fallen trees during the Helene high wind event. This resulted in numerous trees blocking roads, downing powerlines, and causing thousands of power outages across the county. Several trees were reported down on Warrior Trail as well. A peak wind gust of 49 mph was measured by Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport at 3:32 PM LST.

Wider weather episode

Tropical Storm Helene caps off a several day heavy rainfall event in association with a stalled closed upper low that drew a stream of tropical moisture into the area on the 25th and 26th. The arrival of Helene on the 27th yielded catastrophic flash flooding and river flooding, as well as significant wind damage as wet soils and strong wind gusts led to forest damage.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1218012. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.