Jackson, Kentucky – A strong cold front sweeping across Kentucky could spark severe thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening, with damaging winds posing the greatest threat across much of the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, a slight risk of severe weather has been issued for Friday, September 5, beginning at 8 a.m. and continuing into the overnight hours. The main hazards include 60+ mph wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and the potential for isolated, short-lived tornadoes—especially in central and eastern parts of the state including Hazard, Morehead, and Pikeville.
Communities along the I-64 corridor and near KY Route 15 should monitor local alerts closely. While large hail is less likely, it hasn’t been ruled out. Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel during storm periods, and charge mobile devices ahead of the storm’s arrival.
This system follows a week of high humidity and unsettled air, providing the instability needed for storm development. It’s also the first organized severe threat in the region since early summer.
The threat is expected to clear by early Saturday morning, but updated alerts may be issued depending on storm development Friday afternoon.
