Louisville, Kentucky – Residents across central Kentucky and southern Indiana should prepare for several rounds of thunderstorms beginning early Monday, with the potential for damaging winds, frequent lightning and localized flooding continuing into late Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Louisville, a hot, unstable air mass combined with unusually strong winds aloft for late July is expected to produce one or more thunderstorm complexes across the region. One cluster of storms could arrive during the pre-dawn hours Monday, while a second round with higher confidence is expected later Monday evening. Additional thunderstorms may develop Tuesday.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of north-central Kentucky, including Louisville, Frankfort, Shelbyville and surrounding communities, under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe thunderstorms. Areas farther south, including Bowling Green, Campbellsville and Russell Springs, remain under a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5).
Damaging straight-line winds will be the primary severe weather hazard, although frequent lightning and periods of heavy rainfall could create hazardous travel conditions and lead to localized flooding, especially where storms repeatedly move over the same locations. Drivers should watch for water-covered roads, reduced visibility and isolated tree debris during stronger storms.
Residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially overnight when the first round of storms may arrive. Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio and trusted local media can provide timely updates if warnings are issued.
The active weather pattern is expected to continue through late Tuesday, and additional watches, warnings or flood advisories may be issued as confidence in the timing and track of individual storm complexes increases.
