High Wind — Sullivan, Tennessee

2024-12-31 · Sullivan, Tennessee

Event narrative

The KTRI Tri-Cities Regional Airport ASOS recorded a 58 mph non-thunderstorm wind gust. An hour prior, wind gusts in the upper 40s were recorded at the airport at the same time reports were received of damage to unknown outdoor objects and smaller tree branches being broken by the gusts. Wind gusts above 40 mph were recorded in multiple counties across the area, including: Washington, Sevier, Knox, Polk, Blount, McMinn, Monroe, Campbell, and Hamilton.

Wider weather episode

A strong low level shortwave weather system coupled with very strong upper level winds helped bring a moderate mountain wave event to the East Tennessee mountains, followed by strong to high winds during the midday hours thanks to efficient mixing of high winds to the surface.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1227831. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.