WDEF News 12 Now

Weather Update: Monday March 31, 2025

Weather Update: Monday March 31, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Mostly cloudy, mild, windy. Showers/thunderstorms. Some storms could be strong/severe. Lows: mid 60’s. Winds: S @ 10-15, gusts 20-25 Monday: Mostly cloudy, mild, windy. Showers/thunderstorms. Some storms could be strong/severe. Highs: low 70’s. Winds: S @ 10-15, gusts 20-25 Overnight: Mostly cloudy, chilly, breezy. Showers/thunderstorms ending.… ... Continue Reading
Weather Update: Sunday March 30, 2025

Weather Update: Sunday March 30, 2025

Overnight: Mostly cloudy, mild, windy. Showers/thunderstorms. Some storms could be strong/severe.
Lows: mid 60’s. Winds: S @ 10-15, gusts 20-25

Monday: Mostly cloudy, mild, windy. Showers/thunderstorms. Some storms could be strong/severe.
Highs: low 70’s. Winds: S @ 10-15, gusts 20-25

Overnight: Mostly cloudy, chilly, breezy. Showers/thunderstorms ending.
Lows: mid 40’s. Winds: N @ 10-15 MPH.

Tuesday / April Fools Day: Sunshine, dry, mild.
Highs: around 70. Winds: N @ 5-10 MPH.

Skywarn Online Mrx 111

“We have a NEW Virtual SKYWARN spotter training! It consists of four interactive sections to complete, followed by a final exam that must be taken to receive credit. After finishing the exam, please be patient and understand that up to two weeks may pass between completing the exam and receiving your spotter ID card and certificate. ” – National Weather Service, Morristown TN

Dr. Marshall Shepherd in @Forbes Magazine: The Bullying of Meteorologists

Screenshot 2024 10 22 165810

“I have spent over 30 years studying meteorology and climate. We take a lot of physics, calculus, thermodynamics and other complex subjects. The atmosphere is a fluid within a rotating frame of reference. Such complexity is far beyond fourth grade lessons about cumulus clouds or cold fronts. As I look at the despair caused to those in the Southeast like farmers, homeowners and businesses, I wish we could control hurricanes. Many families lost loved ones or property. Many communities of color, poor rural areas and regions with high elderly concentrations receive a disproportionate punch from storms like Helene or Milton. Gosh, I wish we did have the technology to spare them such angst and despair. We don’t.”

Via Forbes Magazine (may require subscription to site)

Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, a leading international expert in weather and climate, was the 2013 President of American Meteorological Society (AMS) and is Director of the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Atmospheric Sciences Program

 

 

United States Drought Monitor Latest Statement

Screenshot 2025 01 31 222556

Southeast Drought Summary

Map released: Thurs. January 30, 2025
Data valid: January 28, 2025 at 7 a.m. EST

Southeast US

A historical winter weather event impacted the area early in the week with snow in many places throughout the region. The greatest precipitation amounts were in southern Georgia, Florida, and into southeast Georgia. The recent wet pattern in Florida allowed improvements in the northern and central portions of the state as well as into the Panhandle to moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions. Dryness was still lingering in southern Florida, where moderate drought was pushed eastward towards the coast this week. Moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions were improved in southeast Georgia while abnormally dry conditions were expanded slightly in the northern portions of the state. In North Carolina, moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions increased in the western part of the state while some moderate drought expanded in the northeast. In Alabama, abnormally dry conditions improved in the south and expanded slightly in the northern part of the state.

– NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information    https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu


Screenshot 2025 01 20 185025

Got #weatherpix to share for our @WestShoreHome #WeatherWindow #PictureOfTheDay? E-mail them to [email protected].

Make sure you & your family stay in touch with us. Remember the Storm Team 12 app can always bring you the latest weather alerts for your location as well as Titan Radar. Download it for free from your app store – just search WDEF Weather”.

Screenshot 2023 12 13 234441

The best time to prepare for severe weather is when nothing weather-wise is going on.  Learn more about programming your weather alert radio with WDEF-TV News 12.


Screenshot 2024 04 09 184453

Who can participate?

This is a community project.  Everyone can help, young, old, and in-between.  The only requirements are an enthusiasm for watching and reporting weather conditions and a desire to learn more about how weather can affect and impact our lives.

What will our volunteer observers be doing?

Each time a rain, hail or snow storm crosses your area, volunteers take measurements of precipitation from as many locations as possible (see equipment).  These precipitation reports are then recorded on our Web site www.cocorahs.org. The data are then displayed and organized for many of our end users to analyze and apply to daily situations ranging from water resource analysis and severe storm warnings to neighbors comparing how much rain fell in their backyards.

Who uses CoCoRaHS?

CoCoRaHS is used by a wide variety of organizations and individuals.  The National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, city utilities (water supply, water conservation, storm water), insurance adjusters, USDA, engineers, mosquito control, ranchers and farmers, outdoor & recreation interests, teachers, students, and neighbors in the community are just some examples of those who visit our Web site and use our data.

https://cocorahs.org/Content.aspx?page=application



Screenshot 2024 08 01 170721

One of NOAA’s missions is to save life and property by providing critical environmental intelligence, including weather forecasts and warnings, to our partners and the general public. NOAA wants everyone, from communities across the country, businesses, and the public at large to be ready, responsive, and resilient to extreme weather, water, and climate events.  Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors (WRN Ambassadors) are formally recognized by NOAA as organizations committed to collaborating with NOAA, sharing preparedness messaging in outreach to the public, and serving as examples themselves by implementing resilience best practices. Apply to become an Ambassador here.

Categories: Featured, Local News, Weather Update
... Continue Reading
Authorities Investigate Death Near I-75 Entrance Ramp

Authorities Investigate Death Near I-75 Entrance Ramp

Police11

GORDON COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) – On Sunday, around 8:27 a.m., a truck driver discovered a body near an empty minivan on the northbound entrance ramp of Interstate 75 at Exit 320.

Deputy sheriffs and Fire-Rescue personnel arrived on the scene within minutes.

The Coroner and Georgia State Patrol Troopers were called to assist.

The victim, who was later identified as someone from outside the local area, showed signs of being run over by a vehicle.

A short distance away, deputies located a minivan that was still in gear with the engine running, lodged against the guardrail.

A family member later confirmed that the minivan had been in the victim’s possession.

At this time, investigators have not found any evidence of foul play or involvement by another person.

The Georgia State Patrol is leading the investigation, with assistance from Sheriff’s detectives and the Coroner’s Office.

Categories: Featured, Local News
... Continue Reading

Frustration Grows in Hixson as Residents Feel Ignored by Elected Officials

Hixson, TN (WDEF)  – Frustration is mounting in Hixson as residents express growing dissatisfaction with their elected representatives. Despite multiple attempts to engage with local officials, many community members feel their concerns are being ignored. At a recent town hall meeting held at the Hixson Community Center, residents voiced their frustrations directly. Kevin, a concerned… ... Continue Reading

Chattanooga Downtown Library Hosts Fun-Filled Day of Crafting

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Downtown Library was alive with creativity on Saturday as fiber artists, crafters, and makers gathered for a day of hands-on activities. Visitors enjoyed interactive stations offering lessons in weaving, quilting, crochet, and more. Richard Groves, a spokesperson for the Chattanooga Public Library, shared his excitement about the event. “Video… ... Continue Reading

Serious crash leaves one injured

OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) – A violent single-vehicle crash early this morning on Ooltewah-Ringgold Road caused the engine to rip out of the vehicle and catch fire in the nearby woods. The accident happened shortly before 5:30 a.m. near the Tennessee-Georgia state line. First responders responded to the scene and found a vehicle with severe front-end… ... Continue Reading

Captain Larry L. Taylor exhibit unveiled at the MOHHC

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) –  The Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center (MOHHC) officially unveiled the Captain Larry L. Taylor Exhibit on Saturday, March 29, 2025, with a grand opening that drew hundreds of visitors. The event honored the extraordinary legacy of Captain Larry Taylor, a Chattanooga native and Vietnam War hero, who was awarded… ... Continue Reading
Weather Update: Saturday March 29, 2025

Weather Update: Saturday March 29, 2025

Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Mild. Showers developing.
Lows: high 50’s to low 60’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, warm, windy. Showers/thunderstorms developing. Some storms could be strong/severe.
Highs: mid/high 70’s. Winds: S @ 10-15, gusts 20-25

Overnight: Mostly cloudy, mild, windy. Showers/thunderstorms. Some storms could be strong/severe.
Lows: mid 60’s. Winds: S @ 10-15, gusts 20-25

Monday: Mostly cloudy, mild, windy. Showers/thunderstorms. Some storms could be strong/severe.
Highs: low 70’s. Winds: S @ 10-15, gusts 20-25

Overnight: Mostly cloudy, chilly, breezy. Showers/thunderstorms ending.
Lows: mid 40’s. Winds: N @ 10-15 MPH.

Tuesday / April Fools Day: Sunshine, dry, mild.
Highs: around 70. Winds: N @ 5-10 MPH.

Skywarn Online Mrx 111

“We have a NEW Virtual SKYWARN spotter training! It consists of four interactive sections to complete, followed by a final exam that must be taken to receive credit. After finishing the exam, please be patient and understand that up to two weeks may pass between completing the exam and receiving your spotter ID card and certificate. ” – National Weather Service, Morristown TN

Dr. Marshall Shepherd in @Forbes Magazine: The Bullying of Meteorologists

Screenshot 2024 10 22 165810

“I have spent over 30 years studying meteorology and climate. We take a lot of physics, calculus, thermodynamics and other complex subjects. The atmosphere is a fluid within a rotating frame of reference. Such complexity is far beyond fourth grade lessons about cumulus clouds or cold fronts. As I look at the despair caused to those in the Southeast like farmers, homeowners and businesses, I wish we could control hurricanes. Many families lost loved ones or property. Many communities of color, poor rural areas and regions with high elderly concentrations receive a disproportionate punch from storms like Helene or Milton. Gosh, I wish we did have the technology to spare them such angst and despair. We don’t.”

Via Forbes Magazine (may require subscription to site)

Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, a leading international expert in weather and climate, was the 2013 President of American Meteorological Society (AMS) and is Director of the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Atmospheric Sciences Program

 

 

United States Drought Monitor Latest Statement

Screenshot 2025 01 31 222556

Southeast Drought Summary

Map released: Thurs. January 30, 2025
Data valid: January 28, 2025 at 7 a.m. EST

Southeast US

A historical winter weather event impacted the area early in the week with snow in many places throughout the region. The greatest precipitation amounts were in southern Georgia, Florida, and into southeast Georgia. The recent wet pattern in Florida allowed improvements in the northern and central portions of the state as well as into the Panhandle to moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions. Dryness was still lingering in southern Florida, where moderate drought was pushed eastward towards the coast this week. Moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions were improved in southeast Georgia while abnormally dry conditions were expanded slightly in the northern portions of the state. In North Carolina, moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions increased in the western part of the state while some moderate drought expanded in the northeast. In Alabama, abnormally dry conditions improved in the south and expanded slightly in the northern part of the state.

– NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information    https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu


Screenshot 2025 01 20 185025

Got #weatherpix to share for our @WestShoreHome #WeatherWindow #PictureOfTheDay? E-mail them to [email protected].

Make sure you & your family stay in touch with us. Remember the Storm Team 12 app can always bring you the latest weather alerts for your location as well as Titan Radar. Download it for free from your app store – just search WDEF Weather”.

Screenshot 2023 12 13 234441

The best time to prepare for severe weather is when nothing weather-wise is going on.  Learn more about programming your weather alert radio with WDEF-TV News 12.


Screenshot 2024 04 09 184453

Who can participate?

This is a community project.  Everyone can help, young, old, and in-between.  The only requirements are an enthusiasm for watching and reporting weather conditions and a desire to learn more about how weather can affect and impact our lives.

What will our volunteer observers be doing?

Each time a rain, hail or snow storm crosses your area, volunteers take measurements of precipitation from as many locations as possible (see equipment).  These precipitation reports are then recorded on our Web site www.cocorahs.org. The data are then displayed and organized for many of our end users to analyze and apply to daily situations ranging from water resource analysis and severe storm warnings to neighbors comparing how much rain fell in their backyards.

Who uses CoCoRaHS?

CoCoRaHS is used by a wide variety of organizations and individuals.  The National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, city utilities (water supply, water conservation, storm water), insurance adjusters, USDA, engineers, mosquito control, ranchers and farmers, outdoor & recreation interests, teachers, students, and neighbors in the community are just some examples of those who visit our Web site and use our data.

https://cocorahs.org/Content.aspx?page=application



Screenshot 2024 08 01 170721

One of NOAA’s missions is to save life and property by providing critical environmental intelligence, including weather forecasts and warnings, to our partners and the general public. NOAA wants everyone, from communities across the country, businesses, and the public at large to be ready, responsive, and resilient to extreme weather, water, and climate events.  Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors (WRN Ambassadors) are formally recognized by NOAA as organizations committed to collaborating with NOAA, sharing preparedness messaging in outreach to the public, and serving as examples themselves by implementing resilience best practices. Apply to become an Ambassador here.

Categories: Featured, Local News, Weather Update
... Continue Reading
Student brings handgun to Lake Forest Middle School

Student brings handgun to Lake Forest Middle School

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office was notified Saturday morning that a student brought a handgun to Lake Forest Middle School on Thursday, March 27. An investigation was launched immediately, and the student was identified. Charges have since been filed, but the student’s identity will not be released due to their… ... Continue Reading

Sale Creek home sustains heavy fire damage

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – A newly constructed home in Sale Creek suffered extensive fire damage late Friday night. At approximately 10:00 p.m., a 911 call was made reporting a residential fire at 2080 Boat Hook Lane. The Sale Creek Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) responded and arrived to find smoke emerging from the two-story home.… ... Continue Reading

Honoring Officer Dunn Through Giving

FLINTSTONE, GA. (WDEF) – Today, from 12 to 5 PM, the community gathered at 4465 Happy Valley Road in Flintstone, Georgia, for a special blood drive honoring the life and service of Officer Charles “Chuck” Snyder Dunn III.  Officer Dunn, a 52-year-old resident of Rock Spring, dedicated 15 years to the Chickamauga Police Department, where… ... Continue Reading

Nightfall Cutbacks Concern Some Fans

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga’s beloved Nightfall concert series is back, but not without some big changes stirring up some concern. This year, the lineup is being cut in half, and the season will only run for ten weeks instead of the usual fifteen.  Adding to the shake-up, the first three weeks will take place… ... Continue Reading

Captain Larry Taylor Exhibit Opens This Weekend

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new exhibit honoring a Chattanooga war hero is set to open this weekend at the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. The Captain Larry L. Taylor Exhibit will officially open Saturday at 1PM, celebrating the late Vietnam War veteran’s extraordinary heroism.  Captain Taylor, a Chattanooga native, was awarded the… ... Continue Reading
Weather Update: Friday March 28, 2025

Weather Update: Friday March 28, 2025

Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Mild.
Lows: high 50’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH.

Skywarn Online Mrx 111

“We have a NEW Virtual SKYWARN spotter training! It consists of four interactive sections to complete, followed by a final exam that must be taken to receive credit. After finishing the exam, please be patient and understand that up to two weeks may pass between completing the exam and receiving your spotter ID card and certificate. ” – National Weather Service, Morristown TN

Dr. Marshall Shepherd in @Forbes Magazine: The Bullying of Meteorologists

Screenshot 2024 10 22 165810

“I have spent over 30 years studying meteorology and climate. We take a lot of physics, calculus, thermodynamics and other complex subjects. The atmosphere is a fluid within a rotating frame of reference. Such complexity is far beyond fourth grade lessons about cumulus clouds or cold fronts. As I look at the despair caused to those in the Southeast like farmers, homeowners and businesses, I wish we could control hurricanes. Many families lost loved ones or property. Many communities of color, poor rural areas and regions with high elderly concentrations receive a disproportionate punch from storms like Helene or Milton. Gosh, I wish we did have the technology to spare them such angst and despair. We don’t.”

Via Forbes Magazine (may require subscription to site)

Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, a leading international expert in weather and climate, was the 2013 President of American Meteorological Society (AMS) and is Director of the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Atmospheric Sciences Program

 

 

United States Drought Monitor Latest Statement

Screenshot 2025 01 31 222556

Southeast Drought Summary

Map released: Thurs. January 30, 2025
Data valid: January 28, 2025 at 7 a.m. EST

Southeast US

A historical winter weather event impacted the area early in the week with snow in many places throughout the region. The greatest precipitation amounts were in southern Georgia, Florida, and into southeast Georgia. The recent wet pattern in Florida allowed improvements in the northern and central portions of the state as well as into the Panhandle to moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions. Dryness was still lingering in southern Florida, where moderate drought was pushed eastward towards the coast this week. Moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions were improved in southeast Georgia while abnormally dry conditions were expanded slightly in the northern portions of the state. In North Carolina, moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions increased in the western part of the state while some moderate drought expanded in the northeast. In Alabama, abnormally dry conditions improved in the south and expanded slightly in the northern part of the state.

– NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information    https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu


Screenshot 2025 01 20 185025

Got #weatherpix to share for our @WestShoreHome #WeatherWindow #PictureOfTheDay? E-mail them to [email protected].

Make sure you & your family stay in touch with us. Remember the Storm Team 12 app can always bring you the latest weather alerts for your location as well as Titan Radar. Download it for free from your app store – just search WDEF Weather”.

Screenshot 2023 12 13 234441

The best time to prepare for severe weather is when nothing weather-wise is going on.  Learn more about programming your weather alert radio with WDEF-TV News 12.


Screenshot 2024 04 09 184453

Who can participate?

This is a community project.  Everyone can help, young, old, and in-between.  The only requirements are an enthusiasm for watching and reporting weather conditions and a desire to learn more about how weather can affect and impact our lives.

What will our volunteer observers be doing?

Each time a rain, hail or snow storm crosses your area, volunteers take measurements of precipitation from as many locations as possible (see equipment).  These precipitation reports are then recorded on our Web site www.cocorahs.org. The data are then displayed and organized for many of our end users to analyze and apply to daily situations ranging from water resource analysis and severe storm warnings to neighbors comparing how much rain fell in their backyards.

Who uses CoCoRaHS?

CoCoRaHS is used by a wide variety of organizations and individuals.  The National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, city utilities (water supply, water conservation, storm water), insurance adjusters, USDA, engineers, mosquito control, ranchers and farmers, outdoor & recreation interests, teachers, students, and neighbors in the community are just some examples of those who visit our Web site and use our data.

https://cocorahs.org/Content.aspx?page=application



Screenshot 2024 08 01 170721

One of NOAA’s missions is to save life and property by providing critical environmental intelligence, including weather forecasts and warnings, to our partners and the general public. NOAA wants everyone, from communities across the country, businesses, and the public at large to be ready, responsive, and resilient to extreme weather, water, and climate events.  Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors (WRN Ambassadors) are formally recognized by NOAA as organizations committed to collaborating with NOAA, sharing preparedness messaging in outreach to the public, and serving as examples themselves by implementing resilience best practices. Apply to become an Ambassador here.

Categories: Featured, Local News, Weather Update
... Continue Reading
Chattanooga firefighters battle woods fire at Shepherd Community Center

Chattanooga firefighters battle woods fire at Shepherd Community Center

Chattanooga firefighters on the scene of a woods fire at Shepherd Community Center. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga firefighters have battled a woods fire Friday afternoon. It was reported near Shepherd Community Center. CFD says that the fire was only about an acre in size. They were able to contain it before it threatened any structures.… ... Continue Reading
Man arrested in Cherokee County for sexual assault of a minor

Man arrested in Cherokee County for sexual assault of a minor

Steve Nolan CHEROKEE COUNTY, Nc. (WDEF) —  A Cherokee County man has been arrested and charged with Sexual Assault of a Minor. On January 30, 2024, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) received a report from a social worker about the suspected sexual assault of a victim who was 12-years-old. CCSO stated they immediately launched… ... Continue Reading

Cherokee County woman arrested on various drug charges

  MURPHY, Nc. (WDEF) —  A Cherokee County woman has been arrested on various drug charges. Her arrest was the result of a four-month long investigation into local drug trafficking. As part of this investigation, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) executed a search warrant at the residence of Elizabeth N. Pulaski. During the search… ... Continue Reading
Trump fires member of TVA Board of Directors

Trump fires member of TVA Board of Directors

Michelle Moore Tva Director

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  President Trump has fired a member of the TVA Board of Directors.

Michelle Moore had a year left on her term but is out immediately.

The firing follows a scathing article written by Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty about the Board.

They accuse TVA leadership on dragging their feet on new nuclear technology, even though they support the plan.

Moore and the remaining board members were nominated by President Joe Biden.

But they are now down to the minimum five members they need to meet a voting quorum.

Categories: Government & Politics, Jobs & Economy, Local News
... Continue Reading
Whitfield County authorities searching for escaped inmate

Whitfield County authorities searching for escaped inmate

Vincente Vasquez-Lopez WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) is actively searching for an inmate who walked away from a work crew. Vincente Vasquez-Lopez walked away near Five Springs Road and South Dixie Highway in Whitfield County. Vasquez-Lopez was serving time for a probation violation and is not considered violent, according… ... Continue Reading
Georgia woman pleads ‘no contest’ in TennCare fraud case

Georgia woman pleads ‘no contest’ in TennCare fraud case

Money

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Georgia woman has pleaded “no contest” to a charge of TennCare fraud.

Erikea Akridge now lives in Crandall, Georgia but used to be in Tennessee.

The state says she continued getting health insurance benefits after she moved.

She was sentenced to 30 hours in jail and ordered to pay back $37,000.

Tennessee’s Inspector General says out-of-state TennCare cases are their biggest challenge now.

Categories: Bradley County, Crime, Local News, Regional News
... Continue Reading