Severe weather prediction issued by the National Weather Service, alerting residents of Kentucky of possible intensified conditions starting from the afternoon of Tuesday
Severe Weather Alert for Kentucky: Prepare for Storms from Thursday to Monday
Residents of Kentucky are advised to brace themselves for a series of severe weather events from Thursday evening to Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The storm system is expected to bring hail, strong winds, tornadoes, and flooding to various parts of the state, with a particular focus on areas prone to convective storms.
The storms are set to enter Western Kentucky between noon and 4 p.m. (all times Eastern), followed by the Central Bluegrass area, Somerset, and London between 4-8 p.m. Mike Kochasic, from the NWS Louisville office, has stated that damaging winds, hail, a few tornadoes, heavy rain, and flooding potential are all possibilities during this period.
The NWS is particularly concerned about the potential for strong tornadoes in the enhanced risk area, which includes the London and Somerset regions. The Storm Prediction Center has identified an enhanced risk of severe weather (Level 3) in Kentucky, specifically along and south of a line from Hickman to near Prestonsburg.
Residents are urged to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the weather conditions in the coming days. Kochasic warns of potential damage from loose and unsecured objects in areas hit last weekend. To ensure they receive severe weather warnings, residents are advised to get another method, such as a Smartphone weather app, local TV, or radio stations, as NOAA Weather Radio in 49 Kentucky counties covered by the Louisville NWS will be unavailable due to a service upgrade from Monday to Wednesday.
After this system passes, the weather is expected to be cooler. However, the NWS is also warning about the possibility of heavy rain and flooding in the region. Unfortunately, the Storm Prediction Center's risk assessment for the new areas is not provided.
According to Kochasic, there is a slight risk of severe weather statewide, with a Level 2 of 5 risk. The NWS urges everyone in southeastern Kentucky to prepare for severe weather on Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday morning, as the system is expected to pass through this region.
The London and Somerset areas experienced 19 deaths during the last outbreak. Residents are reminded to prioritise their safety and follow the instructions of local authorities during this time. The NWS will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.
