May 18, 2013
A Local 8 Weather Alert has been issued for today. Because of the threat of rain, thunder and even hail, outdoor activities may be disrupted or inconvenienced. What's going on? An upper-level low will be moving across East Tennessee today, creating a more unstable atmosphere.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Recent rain has been welcome, but foresters say trees are still drought-stressed across Tennessee and conditions will likely get worse.
Dr. David Mercker with the University of Tennessee Extension in Jackson said old, young and weak trees are most susceptible. Varieties with small leaves generally fare better in dry times.
But whether in the forest or on the front lawn, trees are showing the effects of a prolonged dry spell.
In Sevierville, the state Forestry Division's Tom Simpson says he's seen 20-inch diameter hardwoods dying on south-facing dry ridges. Simpson worries that the fall fire season could be a difficult one.
The National Weather Service expects drought conditions to intensity into autumn statewide.
