Sunshine later today. Rain returns by Tuesday afternoon.

Our breezy Monday is rain-free.  Sunshine is expected today, mainly after lunch with a high of 45.  Monday night brings a low of 26 under partly cloudy skies.  However, rain returns Tuesday afternoon and stays through, at least, Sunday.

TOP PHOTO:  Big Creek ran high last week in this photo and is running high again Monday morning.

A prolonged period of heavy rain is expected from Tuesday through Saturday.  The heaviest rainfall will likely fall across the Plateau, central and southern sections of east Tennessee and southwest North Carolina where five to seven inches are possible.

Since the ground is already saturated and streams are high, any additional heavy rainfall will likely cause flash flooding.  Significant stream flooding, flooding of roadways, additional ponding of low lying areas, and mud slides are possible.  River flooding is also a concern for mid to late next week.

There is a possibility of Flood Watches being issued for at least some parts of the area by mid-week.  Continue to monitor future forecasts for the latest information from WLAF.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 02/18/2019-6AM)