Updated 2:45 p.m.
Metro leaders are permitting nonessential employees to leave work immediately if they choose to do so.
The National Weather Service has predicted the greatest change for severe weather Friday would be between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., during the rush hour commute. Metro also encouraged private employers to determine the best course of action regarding early dismissal to ensure their employees’ safety.
Metro’s Office of Emergency Management fully activated the Emergency Operations Center Friday afternoon, amid anticipation of severe weather. Storms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail and several tornadoes are expected to hit Middle Tennessee later this afternoon.
The NWS has placed Nashville under a high risk for severe weather this afternoon through the early evening. According to a hazardous weather statement released by NWS, northern Middle Tennessee has the highest risk of severe weather.
The OEM staff said they are closely monitoring the developing weather situation with assistance from the NWS.
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools cancelled all after school programs and events, but released a statement on their website that said they wouldn't dismiss school early like other surrounding counties.
The MNPS statement said they wouldn't let school out early because students may be safer in the schools, a commute during bad weather could be dangerous and Metro Transit Authority schedules won't be altered for an earlier release time, which could leave some students stranded in the weather.
They said they would continue to monitor the situation and asked parents to remain alert for updates during the afternoon.