Louisville, Ky. – A wide swath of Kentucky is bracing for severe thunderstorms through 9 p.m. Friday, with more than 65 counties under a watch for high winds, hail, and potential power outages.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 213 includes central, northern, and eastern parts of the state, spanning from Jefferson and Fayette counties to Harlan and Pike. Wind gusts could exceed 60 mph, and isolated hail up to quarter-size is possible throughout the evening.
Cities including Louisville, Lexington, Covington, and Hazard could experience sudden downpours, lightning, and tree damage. Commuters are urged to stay alert for falling branches and quickly deteriorating road conditions, especially on I-64, I-75, and rural routes through the Appalachian foothills.
Emergency managers advise residents to charge mobile devices, secure outdoor furniture, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm hours. Those in mobile homes or areas prone to flash flooding should prepare alternate shelter plans if warnings are issued.
While no tornadoes are currently expected, additional warnings or advisories may follow as the storm system tracks eastward. The watch remains active until 9 p.m. EDT.
