Paducah, Ky. – Severe thunderstorms could bring large hail and damaging winds to western Kentucky, southeast Missouri, and southwest Illinois from Monday night through Tuesday evening, with the highest threat expected Tuesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, the region is under a marginal to slight risk for severe weather starting late Monday, particularly in areas west of the Mississippi River. Confidence is low Monday night due to questions about storm strength as systems move in from the west.
By Tuesday, however, forecasters say a more organized line of storms is likely to develop, with a Level 2 (slight) risk covering much of the tri-state area. Cities including Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, and Paducah could see storms intensify between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Travelers should be alert for quickly changing conditions, especially on I-55, I-57, and U.S. Route 60. Secure outdoor items and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Strong wind gusts and hail up to an inch in diameter may accompany the strongest cells.
The severe weather risk continues into Tuesday night. Additional advisories or warnings may be issued as the system develops.
