Franklin-area commuters should plan extra time Wednesday morning, Nov. 4, as heavy rain is forecast to soak roads during the morning rush.

WSMV declared Wednesday a First Alert Weather Day, citing an expected wet and slow morning drive. The station warned that drenching downpours will create hazardous conditions on area roads.

The National Weather Service forecast for Franklin puts the chance of precipitation at 90% both Tuesday night and Wednesday. The NWS expects three-quarters to one inch of rain Tuesday night, followed by another half to three-quarters of an inch Wednesday during the day.

Across the broader Middle Tennessee region, the NWS Nashville office forecasts 1 to 2 inches of rain for most locations. WSMV reported that isolated spots could see up to 3 inches.

How the storm arrives

Rain will move in from the west late Tuesday night. According to WSMV, the system should reach Nashville around 10 p.m. Tuesday and expand eastward along the I-65 corridor by sunrise Wednesday. The NWS Franklin forecast calls for showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11 p.m. Tuesday, with south-southeast winds gusting up to 30 mph.

What drivers should expect

WSMV warned of ponding on roads and highways and localized flooding in poor drainage areas such as shallow culverts along roadsides. The station's Wednesday morning forecast called for heavy rain, poor visibility and longer-than-normal braking distances over central and eastern Middle Tennessee.

Leave early.

No formal flood watch or warning for Williamson County appeared in NWS products as of Tuesday morning, Nov. 3. WSMV reported that severe weather is not expected in Middle Tennessee from this system.

When it clears

Rain should exit the Nashville area early Wednesday afternoon, according to WSMV. The NWS Franklin forecast shows showers and thunderstorms ending before 3 p.m. Wednesday, with a high near 75. By Wednesday night, skies turn partly cloudy with a low around 48.

Thursday brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 73, according to the NWS.