Kentucky – Quiet skies today will give way to a much more active pattern on Tuesday as a powerful cold front sweeps into the Ohio Valley. The atmosphere is expected to become increasingly unstable by midday, setting the stage for severe thunderstorms capable of disrupting travel and outdoor plans across central Kentucky and southern Indiana.
According to the National Weather Service in Louisville, strong lines of thunderstorms are expected Tuesday from midday into early Tuesday night. Forecasters say confidence is increasing that some storms will become severe, especially across central Kentucky where an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) has been outlined. Areas farther west into southern Indiana remain under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5).
The primary threat will be damaging straight-line winds, but large hail, isolated tornadoes, and localized flash flooding are also possible as storms develop ahead of and along the advancing cold front. Communities including Louisville, Frankfort, Lexington, Bardstown, Shelbyville, Elizabethtown, and Madison, Indiana, should closely monitor updated forecasts through Tuesday.
Motorists traveling on Interstates 64, 65, 71, and the Bluegrass Parkway should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, including torrential rain, reduced visibility, and isolated road flooding during the afternoon and evening commute. Secure loose outdoor items today and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings before storms arrive.
The severe threat should gradually diminish Tuesday night as the cold front pushes east, bringing somewhat less humid air later in the week. However, additional watches or warnings may be issued as confidence in storm timing and intensity continues to increase.
Tell us where you’ll be Tuesday afternoon. Are you expecting storms where you live or work?
