Hamilton County and portions of Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina are under a tornado watch until 1 p.m. Thursday as severe storms sweep into the area, according to the National Weather Service.
Severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect for McMinn, Monroe and Polk counties in Tennessee and Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Walker and Whitfield counties in Georgia until 7:15 a.m.
Northern Alabama is under a tornado watch until 10 a.m. At least one tornado has been confirmed in Northeast Alabama, according to the National Weather Service.
(READ MORE: Tornadoes tear through southeastern US as storms leave 3 dead)
A flash flood warning has been issued for Bledsoe, Hamilton, Marion, Meigs, Rhea and Sequatchie counties in Tennessee until 9:15 a.m.
Much of eastern Tennessee is also under a flood watch through Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, damaging wind and hail were forecast in the Tennessee Valley overnight and into the morning, according to Local 3 News meteorologist Cedric Haynes.
Hamilton County Emergency Management released an emergency message around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday via a new alert system ahead of the storms.
Isolated storms were anticipated across the Tennessee Valley in the afternoon, according to Local 3. Wind was predicted to travel south at 5-10 mph, with a quarter to half inch of precipitation.
Throughout the night, heavy rain and severe weather were predicted to continue and roll into Thursday morning, with the afternoon clearing up and a high of 86 degrees, according to Local 3.
The Associated Press reported storms in northeastern Tennessee lead to a death in Claiborne County when a 22-year-old man in a car was struck by a falling tree amid high winds.
(READ MORE: Storms battering the Midwest bring tornadoes, hail and strong winds)
Hamilton County Schools announced a two-hour delay in opening facilities Thursday because of the severe weather. SACC sites will open at 8 a.m.
Cleveland City Schools will be closed Thursday, according to an email from the district.
Rhea County Schools announced on social media early Wednesday the school system would be closed Thursday due to the threat of severe weather, citing safety concerns.
Whitfield County Schools announced administrative offices and schools will be closed Thursday due to dangerous flooding and blocked roads throughout various areas of the county.
Hamilton County Health Department locations will operate on a delayed start of 10 a.m., according to a news release. The Gilmer County Health Department in Ellijay, Georgia will remain closed Thursday, May 9.
(READ MORE: Storms battering the Midwest bring tornadoes, hail and strong winds)
— Staff writers Alexis Dewey and Jody Park contributed to this report.