Alert archive / Tennessee / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 8, NWS Nashville, TN
NWS Nashville, TN issued this tornado warning at May 22, 2026, 4:24 PM CDT for Cumberland County, Putnam County, White County, Tennessee. It was in force for 51 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued.
The facts
- Issued
- May 22, 2026, 4:24 PM CDT (21:24 UTC)
- Expired
- May 22, 2026, 5:15 PM CDT
- In force
- 51 min
- Issued by
- NWS Nashville, TN
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Radar indicated
- Hail
- 0.0 in
Counties Cumberland County, TN, Putnam County, TN, White County, TN
The radar
The Nashville radar (KOHX), 119 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:26 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
Did it verify
Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this tornado warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.
Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.
The nearest sounding before it
Peachtre/Fal Fld, GA (KFFC), launched 12:00Z, 9.4 hours before the alert went out and 299 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 430 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -53 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 964 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 31 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 69 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 109 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.1
- Supercell composite
- 1.1
The text
As transmitted.
484
WFUS54 KOHX 222124
TOROHX
TNC035-141-185-222215-
/O.NEW.KOHX.TO.W.0008.260522T2124Z-260522T2215Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Nashville TN
424 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
The National Weather Service in Nashville has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Northwestern Cumberland County in Middle Tennessee...
Central White County in Middle Tennessee...
Southeastern Putnam County in Middle Tennessee...
* Until 515 PM CDT.
* At 424 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Sparta, moving northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.
* This dangerous storm will be near...
Sparta around 430 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Virgin
Falls State Natural Area, Doyle, and Pleasant Hill.
This includes Interstate 40 between mile markers 300 and 317.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3580 8537 3582 8546 3581 8547 3582 8548
3581 8550 3581 8553 3587 8560 3618 8526
3615 8521 3615 8514 3614 8508 3615 8506
3615 8504 3616 8504 3608 8494
TIME...MOT...LOC 2124Z 225DEG 29KT 3586 8547
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
$$
Rose3 follow-up statements
371
WWUS54 KOHX 222141
SVSOHX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Nashville TN
441 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
TNC035-141-185-222215-
/O.CON.KOHX.TO.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260522T2215Z/
Cumberland TN-White TN-Putnam TN-
441 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 515 PM CDT FOR
NORTHWESTERN CUMBERLAND...NORTHEASTERN WHITE AND SOUTHEASTERN PUTNAM
COUNTIES...
At 441 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 8 miles northeast of Sparta, moving northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This dangerous storm will be near...
Monterey around 455 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Pleasant Hill.
This includes Interstate 40 between mile markers 300 and 314.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3586 8531 3599 8547 3618 8526 3615 8521
3615 8514 3614 8508 3615 8506 3615 8504
3616 8504 3611 8498
TIME...MOT...LOC 2141Z 221DEG 32KT 3599 8534
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
$$
Rose932
WWUS54 KOHX 222151
SVSOHX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Nashville TN
451 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
TNC185-222200-
/O.CAN.KOHX.TO.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260522T2215Z/
White TN-
451 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN WHITE COUNTY IS CANCELLED...
The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out
of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
&&
LAT...LON 3591 8524 3596 8526 3598 8526 3599 8531
3603 8531 3603 8533 3605 8538 3606 8540
3618 8526 3615 8521 3615 8514 3614 8508
3615 8506 3615 8504 3616 8504 3611 8498
TIME...MOT...LOC 2150Z 225DEG 29KT 3605 8527
$$
TNC035-141-222215-
/O.CON.KOHX.TO.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260522T2215Z/
Cumberland TN-Putnam TN-
451 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 515 PM CDT FOR
NORTHWESTERN CUMBERLAND AND SOUTHEASTERN PUTNAM COUNTIES...
At 450 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Monterey, or 13 miles northeast of Sparta, moving
northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This dangerous storm will be near...
Monterey around 455 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Pleasant Hill.
This includes Interstate 40 between mile markers 300 and 314.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3591 8524 3596 8526 3598 8526 3599 8531
3603 8531 3603 8533 3605 8538 3606 8540
3618 8526 3615 8521 3615 8514 3614 8508
3615 8506 3615 8504 3616 8504 3611 8498
TIME...MOT...LOC 2150Z 225DEG 29KT 3605 8527
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
$$
Rose323
WWUS54 KOHX 222206
SVSOHX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Nashville TN
506 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
TNC035-141-222216-
/O.EXP.KOHX.TO.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260522T2215Z/
Cumberland TN-Putnam TN-
506 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHWESTERN CUMBERLAND AND SOUTHEASTERN
PUTNAM COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 515 PM CDT...
The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and no longer appears capable of producing a tornado.
Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire.
&&
LAT...LON 3591 8524 3596 8526 3598 8526 3599 8531
3603 8531 3603 8533 3605 8538 3606 8540
3618 8526 3615 8521 3615 8514 3614 8508
3615 8506 3615 8504 3616 8504 3611 8498
TIME...MOT...LOC 2206Z 225DEG 29KT 3614 8516
$$
RoseWhat forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this tornado warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Nashville, TN wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at May 22, 12:17 PM CDT, 4 hours 7 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Updated at 1210 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
- Medium to high rain chances continue each day through the forecast period.
- Low chance of damaging winds or a brief tornado this afternoon with strongest storms.
- Rainfall totals of 2-3 inches through next week, with a medium chance of amounts greater than 4 inches in some areas. Localized flooding is possible.
Area forecast discussion, May 22, 12:17 PM CDT, 4 hours 7 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Nashville TN 1217 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026 ...New AVIATION... .KEY MESSAGES... Updated at 1210 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026 - Medium to high rain chances continue each day through the forecast period. - Low chance of damaging winds or a brief tornado this afternoon with strongest storms. - Rainfall totals of 2-3 inches through next week, with a medium chance of amounts greater than 4 inches in some areas. Localized flooding is possible. && .SHORT TERM... (Rest of today through Saturday) Issued at 1118 AM CDT Fri May 22 2026 Additional showers are lifting into Middle Tennessee this morning with no lightning noted on GLM at the moment. There is a weak surface low centered over Memphis with the warm front that lifted through our area last night now clear to the north. There's plenty of cloud cover but we have managed to realize 500-900 J/kg of mlCAPE. A relatively strong 850 mb jet (35-45 kts) will nose into our eastern half of the area early this afternoon elongating hodographs. A few cells in southern/central Alabama with rotation have been noted this morning. This setup will support a low end damaging wind threat along with some cells that could rotate which means there is a low tornado threat as well. Lapse rates are not impressive by any means with forecast soundings saturated through at least 500 mb. The latest RAP mesoanalysis shows PWAT values in the 1.7-1.8" range which is near daily max values. Storms through the rest of the day will likely contain heavy downpours which could cause some ponding and minor flooding issues. 95th percentile HREF generally shows rainfall amounts less than 3" from noon through the overnight which supports the idea of only minor flooding concerns. Rain and storm coverage will decrease after 00-03z as the low level jet and mid level shortwave lift north and east of the area. Additional medium shower and storm chances will be back for Saturday with chances higher over the eastern half of the area along a weak surface boundary. Shear will be much weaker on Saturday, but mlCAPE values of 1000-1500 J/kg will be available over the plateau during the afternoon which could support a gusty storm or two. && .LONG TERM... (Saturday Night through next Friday) Issued at 1118 AM CDT Fri May 22 2026 Moist southwest upper flow will continue Sunday into mid next week which means more rain and storm chances each day. If you're wanting to take the boat out Sunday or Monday for the holiday weekend, the odds are you will be dodging showers and storms. As we transition into the midweek, the upper flow becomes more nebulous but the humidity will remain which means mainly diurnally driven medium to high shower and storm chances. Temperatures will remain mild with highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s. Dew points will continue to be in the 60s to around 70 degrees making it feel quite humid. && .AVIATION... (18Z TAFS) Issued at 1210 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026 Poor aviation conditions continue through the TAF period with widespread MVFR to IFR conditions. Widespread light to moderate rain showers will continue into the early evening hours with low thunderstorm chances. Within rain showers and thunderstorms, expect reductions in visibility. Low cigs will persist through this TAF cycle as well, bouncing between MVFR to IFR this afternoon before deteriorating to IFR to LIFR overnight. The bulk of the rain will taper off from west to east between 02Z and 04Z, but VCSH will likely linger overnight. Cigs will gradually improve by late morning with a return to MVFR between 15Z and 18Z. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Nashville 64 82 63 83 / 60 50 40 70 Clarksville 63 81 62 82 / 70 30 40 70 Crossville 61 76 59 79 / 70 90 40 80 Columbia 63 82 62 82 / 70 50 40 80 Cookeville 63 78 61 81 / 70 80 30 80 Jamestown 60 78 59 81 / 60 80 50 80 Lawrenceburg 63 80 62 81 / 70 60 30 80 Murfreesboro 64 82 62 83 / 60 60 30 80 Waverly 63 82 63 82 / 70 30 30 70 && .OHX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && SHORT TERM...Reagan LONG TERM....Reagan AVIATION.....Clements
In the hours before
Special weather statement, May 22, 3:55 PM CDT, 29 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Nashville TN
355 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
TNZ031>033-064-065-222130-
Putnam TN-Overton TN-De Kalb TN-Jackson TN-White TN-
355 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN OVERTON...
SOUTHEASTERN DE KALB...SOUTHEASTERN JACKSON...WESTERN WHITE AND
CENTRAL PUTNAM COUNTIES THROUGH 430 PM CDT...
At 354 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles west of Sparta, moving northeast at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Cookeville, Sparta, Algood, Baxter, Doyle, Hamptons Crossroads,
Bakers Crossroads, Burgess Falls State Park, Rickman, and Cummins
Falls State Park.
This includes Interstate 40 between mile markers 279 and 297.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3627 8524 3580 8556 3581 8557 3580 8559
3588 8577 3640 8552
TIME...MOT...LOC 2054Z 205DEG 41KT 3592 8563
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
10Special weather statement, May 22, 4:09 PM CDT, 15 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Nashville TN
409 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
TNZ032-065-066-078-080-222145-
Putnam TN-Cumberland TN-Van Buren TN-Warren TN-White TN-
409 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WEST CENTRAL CUMBERLAND...
NORTHWESTERN VAN BUREN...NORTHEASTERN WARREN...WHITE AND SOUTH
CENTRAL PUTNAM COUNTIES THROUGH 445 PM CDT...
At 409 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles west of Spencer, moving northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Sparta, Spencer, Pleasant Hill, Doyle, Hamptons Crossroads, and Rock
Island State Park.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3565 8554 3576 8572 3583 8567 3582 8566
3585 8563 3585 8566 3614 8546 3598 8519
TIME...MOT...LOC 2109Z 214DEG 31KT 3578 8558
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
RoseThe office that day
Everything else NWS Nashville, TN issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 9:27 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | OHX | Williamson | 3 hr |
| May 22, 3:55 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | OHX | Putnam | 35 min |
| May 22, 4:09 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | OHX | White | 36 min |
Nearby
Tornado Warnings in Tennessee, 2026Every tornado warning in 2026Tornadoes in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.