NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – We’re starting the week with back to back First Alert Weather Days. The first one is tonight, Monday April 27, with another round of storms expected Tuesday night.

Both rounds bring a risk for damaging wind gusts greater than 60mph, hail larger than quarters, and tornadoes.

Damaging straight line wind will be the most widespread threat both nights. For Monday night the tornado threat is higher, with a lower risk for tornadoes.

By Tuesday night, the setup shifts slightly. Damaging wind remains the dominant hazard, but the risk for hail increases compared to tonight’s storms.

No matter which threat materializes, now is the time to prepare. Take a few minutes to secure any loose outdoor items that could be blown around in strong wind. If you have vehicles or outdoor furniture, consider ways to protect them from potential hail damage.

It’s also a good idea to review your severe weather safety plan and make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings.

It’s important to prioritize tools that can wake you up if you decide to go to sleep.

A NOAA weather radio is a great resource. First Alert Meteorologist Dan Thomas has step by step instructions to help program your NOAA Weather Radio. The process takes a few minutes and allows you to receive weather watches and warnings issued for your area.

The WSMV4 First Alert Weather App can alert you before trouble arrives. Download the WSMV 4 First Alert Weather app for iPhone or Android. Make sure you have ‘locations’ and ‘notifications’ turned on when using a weather app.

Knowing where to go before a tornado warning is issued — at home or at work — can make a critical difference.

Three factors can help guide that decision.

Think windowless

The first step is finding an interior room without windows. A hallway, bathroom or closet can all serve as shelter options.

Think low

A basement is the preferred location, but if one is not available, move to the lowest level of the home or business. Sheltering under a stairwell provides extra protection, as does taking cover under a sturdy piece of furniture.

Think small

Putting as many walls as possible between you and the storm increases safety. A windowless closet or interior bathroom is among the best available options.

Blankets, pillows or a helmet can be brought to the shelter location to provide additional protection from the storm and flying debris.

Mobile homes and cars do not offer protection during a tornado. Anyone in either should seek a conventionally constructed building — a neighbor’s home, a family member’s house or a nearby business.

TURTLETOWN, Tenn. (WSMV) – A Tennessee man died Sunday after he fell from a raft while paddling on the Ocoee River in Polk County, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

The TWRA said game wardens and Tennessee State Park Rangers responded to just south of Ocoee Dam No. 2 for reports of an unconscious man on the Ocoee River.

Witnesses told officials that 50-year-old Richard White, of Cleveland, fell from a raft while paddling on the river. Bystanders pulled him from the water and performed CPR until emergency services arrived.

The TWRA said White was taken to Bradley Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

White was wearing protective equipment, including a helmet and a personal floatation device, the TWRA said.

The investigation is ongoing.

This incident marks the sixth boating-related fatality this year, the TWRA said. This is the first death this year in which the victim was wearing a life jacket.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee has approved funding for Summer EBT benefits that will put money directly on families’ grocery cards, but the program will not kick in until summer 2027.

This delay leaves families to find other resources for the upcoming summer.

The program will make way for eligible families to get $120 in federal funds per child to spend on groceries during summer months when kids lose access to school breakfast and lunch.

About 700,000 Tennessee children would qualify for the benefit.

Tennessee participated in 2024 but skipped the program for 2025 and 2026.

Advocates like Marissa Spady, senior manager at No Kid Hungry, say the program couldn’t be more critical.

“It’s very exciting to know that families will have the resources that they need to make sure that their children are able to head back to school in August with having the nutrition they need to be ready to learn,” Spady said.

The program allows families to use benefits at grocery stores and farmers markets they already shop at, bringing millions of federal dollars into Tennessee’s economy.

For families needing help this upcoming summer, you can check with your school district about summer meal sites and other resources.

To learn more about how this delay impacts local families and what resources are available now, watch the full video report above. Have questions or a story idea? Reach out to me directly at Eric.Pointer@NewsChannel5.com.

This story was reported by Eric Pointer and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Eric Pointer and our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.