Louisville, Kentucky – Strong to potentially severe thunderstorms could develop late Thursday afternoon, with damaging winds and hail threatening travel along I-64 and I-65 before the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Louisville, a strengthening surface low moving toward the western Great Lakes will pull warm, moist air into Kentucky on Thursday. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to form ahead of an approaching cold front, with the best chance for stronger storms occurring from late afternoon through late evening.
A Level 2 severe weather risk is outlined across portions of central Kentucky, including Louisville, Elizabethtown and Lexington. Areas farther south toward Bowling Green remain in a Level 1 risk zone. Storm hazards may include wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, large hail and the possibility of an isolated tornado if instability increases.
Major travel corridors including Interstate 64 through Louisville and Frankfort, Interstate 65 from Elizabethtown to Bowling Green and Interstate 75 near Lexington could see rapidly changing weather conditions. Heavy downpours may reduce visibility, while strong wind gusts could make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items and ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather warnings Thursday afternoon and evening. Storm timing will become clearer as the day approaches, and additional watches or warnings may be issued if confidence increases in stronger storm development.
