Paducah, Kentucky – A round of strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to develop Friday across western Kentucky, with the greatest risk occurring between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., especially near and south of the Ohio River.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, the Missouri Bootheel and surrounding areas face the highest threat, with storms capable of producing damaging winds over 60 mph, hail up to two inches in diameter, and a brief tornado.
Communities such as Murray, Mayfield, and Fulton should prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions. Scattered storms may intensify through mid-afternoon, creating travel disruptions and brief power outages. Emergency managers recommend securing outdoor items and charging devices in case of brief outages.
Cooler air will follow the storms, bringing temperatures into the 60s for the weekend—though additional rain chances may linger. This system marks one of the more active spring events in the region so far, though not uncommon for early May.
The next update is scheduled by 5 a.m. Friday. Residents should monitor local alerts, especially if traveling near the Ohio River corridor.
