A line of severe thunderstorms moved through Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia Thursday night and Friday morning, leaving several inches of rain but causing little damage.
Forecasters said the cold front that drove those storms is expected to move out of the region later today, with drier and cooler weather moving in from the west. Some light showers could still occur Friday.
Highs are expected to be in the mid-60s for most of the region today. Saturday's weather is expected to be mostly sunny with a high of 69, while Sunday will also be mostly sunny with a high of 78.
The improved weather follows a tornado watch that was issued by the National Weather service for much of East Tennessee, including Sullivan, Hawkins and Washington counties, until 2 a.m. Friday morning. A severe thunderstorm warning was also issued for Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. It expired at 1 a.m.
No tornado activity was reported in the greater Tri-Cities region. A tornado did reportedly touch down in Monroe County, Tenn. southwest of Knoxville. Tennessee officials declared a state of emergency as a result. Damage assessment teams are expected to begin survey damage in that area today.
Forecasters had called for damaging winds between 45 and 60 mph and large hail, and although no major damage was reported, the severe weather did cause power outages for some residents in the area.
As of Friday morning, 121 Appalachian Power customers remained without electricity in Sullivan County, while 590 are still without power in Washington County, Va.
For the latest forecasts visit the National Weather Service.