Severe Weather Potential (4/20)

Well... Mother Nature is at it again.

I wanted to send out a quick update before heading out for the day. As of 5:00 PM Eastern, Tornado Watches (yellow boxes) are in effect across much of Kentucky and will remain in place through late this evening (11PM Eastern for South Central KY). Remember, a watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadic development. The ingredients are present.

In addition, we already have Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in effect across Western Kentucky for damaging winds and large hail.

As shown in the radar image, we’re tracking two lines of storms—one moving through Eastern Kentucky and another pushing into the Purchase Region of Western KY. The Eastern KY activity should push east of the state in the next hour.

The storms in Western Kentucky are expected to be the more significant of the two rounds and will move eastward this evening and into the overnight hours. This particular line should clear Kentucky by around 1 AM Eastern.

The Storm Prediction Center has just released its latest update to the Day 1 Convective Outlook, placing nearly the entire state under an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 out of 5) for severe weather (maps below). This is one level below where we were last Friday, but still represents an elevated threat. Just like that previous round, all modes of severe weather are possible—including tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail. Based on current conditions, damaging winds will likely present the highest threat this evening, but tornadoes and large hail are on the table. Strong tornadoes cannot be ruled out in the hatched area (black dashes), which includes parts of the Southern Pennyrile and South Central Kentucky. Again, all these maps can be seen below.

As always, I’ve included briefings from each National Weather Service office across the state below. Stay safe, folks!

Western KY - NWS Paducah, KY

Central KY - NWS Louisville, KY

Eastern KY - NWS Jackson, KY

Stay Alert and Prepared:

• Multiple Warning Methods: Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings tonight and tomorrow.

• NOAA Weather Radio: If you haven't already, consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio today. These devices are designed to wake you up in the middle of the night and have been proven to save lives.

• Kentucky Weather Alert App: This ad-free app from the UK Ag Weather Center is an excellent resource for staying safe and informed. It provides daily and hourly forecasts, high-resolution radar, National Weather Service alerts sent directly to your phone, and a link to this update. Without any distracting ads, this app can act as another reliable warning source during tonight’s severe weather. Be sure to check it out by scanning or clicking the QR codes below to download the app on both iOS and Google Play platforms.

Shelter Locations:

• Residential Safety: Refer to the image below for the best locations to shelter at your home. You're trying to put the most walls between you and the outdoor environment.

• Avoid Mobile Homes: DO NOT stay in a mobile home. Find a sturdier location. Make plans now to locate an alternative shelter that is close by and accessible within 5 minutes in case a warning is issued by the National Weather Service.

Understanding Watches and Warnings:

• Watch: Indicates that conditions are favorable for severe weather. This means the ingredients for severe weather are present.



• Warning: Issued when severe weather is imminent or occurring. Take immediate action and find shelter right away