Paducah, Kentucky – Drivers and businesses across western Kentucky and southern Illinois have a narrow window to prepare as severe thunderstorms are expected to develop by early Thursday afternoon and race east across the region, bringing a 70 mph wind threat and a risk of tornadoes along major corridors including I-24.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, storms will form along and just east of the Mississippi River late Thursday morning, intensifying between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. as they track toward the Pennyrile region and the Evansville Tri-State. Forecasters cite high confidence in damaging wind gusts as the primary hazard, with a few tornadoes possible. Small hail cannot be ruled out.
The highest confidence for scattered severe storms centers north of I-64, including Mount Vernon, Marion and Evansville. In southern Illinois cities such as Carbondale and Metropolis, storms could begin as early as 11 a.m., impacting travel on I-57 and I-24. Wind gusts may exceed 60 mph, strong enough to down tree limbs and cause isolated power outages.
In western Kentucky, including Paducah, Mayfield and Murray, storms are expected between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., pushing east toward Owensboro and Hopkinsville by late afternoon. Heavy downpours could briefly reduce visibility along the Purchase Parkway and US-60.
Residents should charge phones, secure outdoor items and identify a sturdy shelter location now. Have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially during the afternoon commute. Additional watches or warnings may be issued Thursday morning as confidence increases in storm development and track.
