Paducah, Kentucky – Early morning storms could bring 60 mph wind gusts and large hail to western and south-central Kentucky, with a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect until 9 a.m. CDT Friday.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the watch spans 31 counties, including Bowling Green, Paducah, Owensboro, and Murray. The main threats include scattered damaging winds, isolated hail up to quarter size, and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning.
Travelers on I-24, the Western Kentucky Parkway, and local routes may encounter sudden downpours and brief power disruptions. Emergency managers are urging residents to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay weather-aware through the morning commute.
Schools and businesses in counties like McCracken, Warren, and Christian should prepare for delays or early closures if severe storms intensify. This round of storms follows an active pattern across the Ohio Valley and could signal continued weather risks into the weekend.
Additional watches or warnings may be issued later today as storms evolve eastward. Stay tuned to local alerts and check power backups and weather radios.
