Good evening, folks! It's definitely been a while since we last talked, but I'm going to start pushing these updates more frequently as the growing season is right around the corner! That said, today's update is reserved for a strong storm system set to pass through the state overnight.

Currently, portions of Kentucky, primarily along the Ohio River, are under an enhanced risk of severe weather, as indicated by the Storm Prediction Center (image above). This is a level 3 out of 5 risk, with storms capable of producing all modes of severe weather, including tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail. As seen in the maps below, the first two modes carry the highest probability. You might also notice the dashes on the map, indicating a "hatched" area. In the tornado outlook, this means that there is a 10% or greater probability of EF2-EF5 tornadoes within 25 miles of any point in that area. Looking at the severe wind outlook, "hatched" denotes a 10% chance of wind gusts exceeding 74 mph within 25 miles of any point. Large hail could be a possibility too, mainly across the Green River region of Kentucky.

The activity will come in two waves, with the first featuring discrete thunderstorms late this evening and early overnight (highest tornado risk). This will then be followed by a line of storms moving to the southeast (damaging wind potential).

Bottom line, significant severe weather is in the cards tonight. If you're within the area of enhanced or slight risk mentioned above, you need to pay attention and have a plan in place if a warning is issued. Given that this is an overnight event and most will be sleeping at this time, please ensure you have multiple sources of receiving warnings, whether that be a weather radio, local television, or weather apps.

In fact, for iPhone users, now would be a good time to download the new app from the Ag Weather Center, titled "Weather Alert." Click the image to be directed straight to the app store. I'll talk more about it in the next update, but for now, know that if a warning is issued by the National Weather Service for your location, the app will send you a push alert to notify you. Keep that volume UP! This is just one additional source of getting timely alerts! While Android is not available yet, it should be coming this week. More information on the app itself will be provided in the next update.

Below is more specific information on the event from your local National Weather Service office. Hopefully, it ends up being a non-event, but the ingredients are there! Stay weather aware!

Local NWS Office Weather Briefings

Western Kentucky: Paducah NWS

Central Kentucky: Louisville NWS

Eastern Kentucky: Jackson NWS