Evansville, Indiana – Hail up to 2 inches in diameter and wind gusts reaching 70 mph could slam parts of five states before 9 p.m. Wednesday, with isolated tornadoes also possible.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 11 is in effect from 2:35 p.m. until 9 p.m. CST for northern Arkansas, southern Missouri, southern Illinois, southwest Indiana and western Kentucky. The watch area stretches roughly from near Harrison, Arkansas, to just east-northeast of Evansville, Indiana.
Forecasters expect storms to intensify as instability increases late this afternoon. Clusters and a few supercells may develop, capable of producing scattered large hail and damaging straight-line winds. Communities including Paducah, Cape Girardeau, Carbondale and Poplar Bluff sit within the highest risk corridor.
Travel along Interstate 55, Interstate 57 and Interstate 69 could become hazardous during heavy downpours and sudden wind bursts. Aviation interests should prepare for extreme turbulence and hail to 2 inches, with storm tops reaching 45,000 feet.
Residents should secure outdoor items, move vehicles under cover and be ready to take shelter quickly if warnings are issued. The watch remains active until 9 p.m., and additional warnings are likely as storms strengthen through the evening.
