Paducah, KY – Residents across Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri, and Western Kentucky should prepare for severe thunderstorms throughout Wednesday, with the greatest intensity expected from afternoon into evening. Damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph and large hail are the primary threats, alongside an isolated tornado risk.
According to the US National Weather Service Paducah Kentucky, isolated to scattered severe storms are possible all day, but the peak window for the greatest chances of severe thunderstorms is between noon and 6 p.m. for areas west of a Carbondale-Cape Girardeau line. From 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., the threat shifts to central regions including Marion and Paducah. Farther east, cities like Owensboro and Hopkinsville in Kentucky could see severe weather between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Cities such as St. Louis, Missouri, and Carbondale, Illinois, are likely to experience early impacts, potentially affecting afternoon commutes. Later in the day, communities in Kentucky, including Paducah, Madisonville, and Murray, should prepare for strong storms. Power outages are possible due to damaging winds, so residents should charge electronic devices and secure outdoor objects. Stay informed by monitoring local weather alerts and have a safety plan ready. Warnings remain in effect through Wednesday evening.
