Louisville, Kentucky – Millions across the Midwest and South are under severe thunderstorm watches Friday as a powerful storm system pushes east, threatening damaging winds, hail, and dangerous lightning from Texas to Ohio.
According to the National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center, at least seven states—Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Indiana, and Texas—remain under active severe thunderstorm watches through the evening. Watches in Kentucky alone cover over 75 counties, including urban hubs like Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green. In Ohio, watches stretch from Dayton and Columbus to Cleveland, lasting until at least 7 p.m. EDT.
The broad risk zone includes major interstates like I-40, I-65, and I-71, raising concerns for late-day travel disruptions. Emergency officials are warning residents to stay weather-aware, charge devices, and secure loose outdoor items. Wind gusts over 60 mph, quarter-size hail, and isolated tornadoes remain possible in the most intense storms.
In Texas, nearly 60 counties including the Dallas-Fort Worth area were under a separate severe watch earlier in the day, with conditions now shifting eastward toward Louisiana and Arkansas.
Storm activity is expected to taper off overnight, but forecasters caution that additional warnings or extended watches may be issued. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts for updates.
