Louisville, Ky. – Kentuckians should prepare for a potentially dangerous round of severe thunderstorms Tuesday as a powerful storm system moves across the region, bringing the risk of damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, frequent lightning and localized flash flooding from the afternoon through Tuesday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Louisville, confidence is increasing that a strong line of storms will move through Kentucky Tuesday night, with isolated severe thunderstorms possible ahead of the main line. The greatest concern stretches across central and eastern Kentucky, where an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe weather has been issued. Western Kentucky remains under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5).
Communities including Louisville, Frankfort, Lexington, Bardstown, Richmond, Danville and surrounding areas could experience the strongest storms. Forecasters indicate damaging straight-line winds up to 70 mph are the primary threat, capable of bringing down trees, damaging roofs and causing scattered power outages.
Large hail between 1 and 2 inches in diameter is also possible, along with isolated tornadoes, especially if storms develop ahead of the main squall line. Heavy rainfall may lead to localized flash flooding, particularly in low-lying or poor drainage areas.
Residents should secure outdoor furniture and loose objects before storms arrive, charge electronic devices and make sure multiple methods of receiving weather warnings are available, including Wireless Emergency Alerts and NOAA Weather Radio. Because some storms may continue after dark, it is important to identify your safest shelter location before severe weather develops.
The timing of the most intense storms will become clearer as Tuesday approaches, and additional watches or warnings may be issued. Continue monitoring forecasts from the National Weather Service and be prepared to act immediately if a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning is issued.
