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Weather resources

Straightforward guidance for preparing for severe weather, managing storm anxiety, and finding the right help when it is needed.

Prepared when it matters most

Clear steps for before, during, and after severe weather, with support for the moments when forecasts feel overwhelming.

Preparedness

A simple plan made before severe weather is easier to follow when conditions become stressful.

  1. Choose your safest place

    Use a basement, storm shelter, or small interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.

  2. Use more than one alert method

    Keep Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled and add a weather radio or another reliable warning source.

  3. Build a practical emergency kit

    Include water, medication, flashlights, chargers, sturdy shoes, identification, and supplies for pets.

  4. Make a household plan

    Agree on where to shelter, how to contact one another, and who will help children, older adults, or pets.

Official guidance

Make an emergency planReady.govWeather safety by hazardNational Weather Service

Storm anxiety

Feeling uneasy before or during severe weather is common. Preparation and a reliable information routine can reduce uncertainty.

  1. Prepare before watching updates

    Set up your shelter space and supplies first. Knowing you are ready can make new information easier to process.

  2. Choose a few trusted sources

    Follow official warnings and one or two reliable local sources instead of repeatedly checking conflicting posts.

  3. Step away when conditions are quiet

    If no warning is active for your location, take a break from radar and return at a planned update time.

  4. Keep the situation in perspective

    A forecast highlights what is possible. A warning means it is time to act for a specific place and time.

Official guidance

Stay calm and plan aheadCDCSevere thunderstorm safetyNational Weather Service

Mental health

Strong reactions can continue after a frightening storm or disaster. Support is available, and asking for help is a reasonable next step.

  1. Expect different reactions

    Trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, fear, anger, or sadness can occur after a traumatic event.

  2. Return to normal routines gradually

    Regular meals, rest, movement, and time with trusted people can help restore a sense of stability.

  3. Limit repeated exposure

    Take breaks from distressing footage and social posts, especially when they are no longer helping you make decisions.

  4. Reach out when you need support

    Talk with someone you trust or a qualified professional if distress is intense, persistent, or disrupting daily life.

Official guidance

Coping after a traumatic eventCDCDisaster Distress HelplineSAMHSA

Emergency contacts

Use the right contact for the situation. Life-threatening emergencies should always go to 911 first.

  1. Immediate danger or medical emergency

    Call 911. Do not rely on a website, social message, or community report form for emergency assistance.

  2. Official weather warnings

    Use National Weather Service Nashville for current watches, warnings, forecasts, and hazard information.

  3. Local emergency management

    Sumner County Emergency Management can be reached at 615-452-7584 for non-emergency agency information.

  4. State emergency information

    TEMA provides Tennessee preparedness guidance, incident information, and recovery resources.

Official guidance

NWS NashvilleNational Weather ServiceSumner County departmentsSumner County GovernmentTennessee emergency informationTEMA

Trusted weather sources

Local weather profiles selected by Mackenzie, followed by the official agencies responsible for warnings and forecasts.

Social posts can add context, but official warnings and local emergency instructions should take priority.

Local weather voices

Broadcast teams and regional weather voices selected by Mackenzie for this community directory.

WKRN News 2

  • Danielle Breezy
  • Shelby Mac
  • Marcus Bagwell
  • Alex Libby
  • Daphne DeLoren

WSMV Channel 4

  • Lisa Spencer
  • Dan Thomas
  • Bree Smith
  • Stefano DiPietro
  • Melanie Layden
  • Darius Mack

NewsChannel 5 Nashville

  • Lelan Statom
  • Henry Rothenberg
  • Nikki-Dee Ray
  • Katie Melvin

WZTV Fox 17 Nashville

  • Katy Morgan
  • Greg Bobos
  • Brett Luna

Regional T-SPOTTER network

Community weather teams serving Middle Tennessee.

Southern TN WeatherMurfreesboro Severe WXRutherford Severe WXHickman Severe WXDickson Severe WXUpper Cumberland WeatherRobertson Severe WXMontgomery Severe WXWilson Severe WXPutnam Severe WX
Mid-West TN Weather

Official agencies

T-SPOTTER network

Explore approved community spotters across Middle Tennessee. Each marker shows a general coverage area, never a private home or exact address.

Observe safely

Shelter and personal safety always come before reporting.

Report directly

Describe only what you personally observed at the location.

Add context

Time, location, size, and visible impact make reports more useful.

Middle Tennessee spotter map

Select an approved marker to view its public profile and coverage area. This directory is for ongoing spotter profiles. Current storm observations belong in the report form below.

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