A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for portions of far western Kentucky, where forecasters warn that storms this evening could produce damaging winds, large hail and possibly an isolated tornado. The watch, issued by the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, is in effect until 10 p.m. CST Tuesday.
The watch includes Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Marshall and McCracken counties, an area that includes communities such as Paducah, Murray, Mayfield and Benton.
Meteorologists say scattered thunderstorms are expected to redevelop late this afternoon and evening as a cold front moves in from the northwest. With warm, moist air in place and strengthening winds aloft, forecasters say some of the storms may become severe quickly.
Primary hazards include hail up to two inches in diameter, damaging wind gusts near 60 mph, and a couple of brief tornadoes, especially close to the Mississippi River and the Kentucky–Tennessee border. Heavy downpours may also lead to localized flooding in low-lying areas.
The National Weather Service office in Paducah urged residents to stay alert through the evening. “Storms today have the potential to intensify rapidly,” forecasters said. “Make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially if you’ll be out driving or away from home.”
The watch region includes both rural farmland and more populated areas along the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, raising concerns for hazardous travel as storms move through. Forecasters expect the strongest activity to occur before midnight, with storms shifting southeast and weakening later tonight.
A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for severe storms, but severe weather is not guaranteed. Residents are advised to monitor updates and be ready to take shelter if warnings are issued.
