Paducah, KY – Residents across western Kentucky, southeast Missouri, and southern Illinois should prepare for strong to severe thunderstorms late this afternoon through tonight, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah.
The NWS warns that damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and a brief tornado are possible in the region, with storms expected to develop by mid-afternoon and continue into the late-night hours. Areas including Paducah, Cape Girardeau, Marion, and Evansville are within the “slight risk” zone for severe weather.
According to the Weather Service, rainfall totals between 0.5 and 3 inches are expected, with the heaviest downpours likely under stronger thunderstorms. Localized flooding may occur in low-lying or poor-drainage areas, although widespread flash flooding is not currently anticipated.
Forecasters encourage residents to monitor alerts and secure outdoor items ahead of the storms. Drivers should be cautious of water pooling on roads and reduced visibility during heavy rainfall.
Timing: The main window for severe weather runs from mid-afternoon through late tonight.
