Charleston, W.Va. – Storms pushing through the Ohio and Tennessee River Valleys Friday afternoon are expected to bring damaging winds and hazardous travel across portions of Kentucky, Tennessee, southeastern Ohio, and northwestern West Virginia. The greatest risk extends through the evening hours, with scattered power outages and downed trees possible.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a slight risk (level 2 of 5) covers much of central and eastern Kentucky, middle Tennessee, and the Ohio River counties of West Virginia and Ohio. Forecasters warn that clusters of thunderstorms could organize quickly, producing wind gusts strong enough to damage property and make travel dangerous on interstates including I-64, I-65, and I-75.
Cities such as Lexington, Nashville, Knoxville, Charleston, and Huntington may see storms intensify during the evening commute, raising concerns for flight delays, hazardous driving conditions, and brief power interruptions. Emergency managers urge residents to secure outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel once storms approach.
Storms are expected to weaken after midnight, but additional unsettled weather may return through the weekend. Residents are advised to monitor alerts and be prepared for rapid changes.
