Ashland, KY – Severe thunderstorms are expected to strike northeast Kentucky Friday afternoon into the evening, bringing damaging wind gusts and large hail. An isolated tornado or two can’t be ruled out, especially in areas near the West Virginia and Ohio borders.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, WV, the region faces a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe weather through Friday night. Storms will likely begin developing by mid-afternoon and could intensify into the early evening. The greatest risk zone includes Boyd, Greenup, Carter, and Lawrence counties.
Communities along I-64, including Ashland and Grayson, should prepare for sudden downpours, low visibility, and falling tree limbs. Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, avoid unnecessary travel during active storms, and secure outdoor items that could become projectiles in strong winds.
While West Virginia and southern Ohio are also included in the risk zone, northeast Kentucky holds the highest tornado potential. Local emergency officials recommend charging phones and flashlights in case of power outages and keeping updated via NOAA Weather Radio or alerts.
Storm activity may continue into the evening, with additional watches or warnings possible. A break in the weather is expected overnight, but more unsettled conditions could return over the weekend.
