Much of the Southeast United States is experiencing strong winds on Friday, with gusts blowing down trees and causing power outages as residents in Tennessee were warned to charge their cellphones, according to a National Weather Service bulletin.
“With grounds already wet, some trees will come down much easier leading to power outages. Be sure to fully charge cell phones tonight so you will be able reliably receive any additional Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Warnings that may be issued on Friday. Winds will begin to relax from west to east starting around sunset Friday evening,” said the National Weather Service’s (NWS) bulletin that applies to “all” of Middle Tennessee.
It further advised residents to “avoid being outside in forested areas” or around trees, adding that people should try to remain in the lower levels of their homes and avoid windows “if possible.”
As of Friday morning, an NWS map shows wind advisories, high wind watches, and tornado watches were in effect for most of the southeastern U.S., Midwest, and some Mid-Atlantic states. Winds are expected to gust up to 60 mph in some areas, noted the NWS, adding that power outages are expected throughout the region.
Read more: Federal Agency Warns: Charge Your Phones Amid Widespread Severe Weather