Louisville, Ky. – A powerful cold front will sweep across Kentucky and Tennessee tonight, bringing a heightened risk of severe weather and dangerous travel conditions. Strong to damaging winds topping 58 mph are the primary concern, but forecasters warn that hail and a brief tornado cannot be ruled out. Areas that saw heavy rainfall Thursday face an additional flash flood threat if storms repeatedly pass over the same locations.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Louisville and Memphis, the highest risk will develop this evening and persist into the overnight hours. Kentucky’s strongest storms are expected between Louisville, Bowling Green, and Owensboro, while western and central Tennessee, including Memphis and Jackson, could see severe weather from 5 p.m. through 3 a.m.
Motorists are urged to avoid non-essential travel during peak storm hours as falling trees and flooded roads are possible. Residents should secure loose outdoor items, charge devices in case of power outages, and be ready to move to safe shelter if tornado warnings are issued.
The severe threat is expected to taper off by early Saturday morning, but additional watches and warnings could be issued depending on storm development overnight.
