Updated 6:50 p.m.
Widespread and severe weather possible this evening. Strong winds, large hail, torrential rain and isolated tornadoes are possible as the line of strong storms moves across the region.
Tornado watch in effect until midnight for: Christian, Daviess, Massac, McLean, Montgomery, Muhlenberg, Pope, Todd
Update 4:09 p.m. - Severe Weather Warnings and Watches
The severe thunderstorm warning for previously listed counties has been lifted. The tornado watch remains in effect.
Update 3:33 p.m. - Severe Weather Warnings and Watches
The counties of McCracken, Graves, and Ballard, and portions of Carlisle and Hickman are under a severe Thunderstorm warning.
The Jackson Purchase and the counties of Livingston, Lyon, Trigg, Caldwell, and Crittenden are under a Tornado Watch.
Update - Closings:
Some schools and businesses in our region are closing their doors early today as a precaution against the incoming weather system. The list is as follows:
- Ballard County Schools - Closing one hour early. All after-school activities have been canceled.
- Calloway County Schools - Closing one hour early. All after-school activities have been canceled.
- Graves County Schools - Closing one hour early.
- Hickman County Schools - Closing one hour early. All after-school activities have been canceled.
- Livingston County Schools - Closing one hour early.
- McCracken County Schools - Closing one hour and fifteen minutes early. All after-school activities have been canceled.
- Paducah Recreation Center - will not open today.
Keep an eye on this space for word on additional closings.
Update 11:30 a.m.:
A conference call this morning with NWS meteorologist Rick Shanklin gave some additional insight on today's severe weather. Most of our region is in a tornado watch until 7 p.m. The brunt of the system will hit in the mid to late afternoon.
Shanklin says the main threat will be damaging winds. There's a 30-45 percent change of winds at 75 mph or greater.
Shanklin also says he expects roughly 2-2.5 inches of rain, with Kentucky's Pennyrile area receiving the most.
There's also the possibility of hail three quarters of an inch or larger.
The system's expected to move out of our region later tonight, sometime around 10 p.m.
Original story:
Most of our region faces a moderate risk of severe weather today and tonight according to The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma.
The SPC defines a moderate risk as:
...more widespread and/or more dangerous severe weather is possible (sometimes with major hurricanes), with significant severe weather often more likely. Numerous tornadoes (including some strong tornadoes), more widespread or severe wind damage and very large/destructive hail could occur. Major events, such as large tornado outbreaks, are sometimes also possible on moderate risk days, but with greater uncertainty. Moderate risk days are not uncommon and typically occur several times a month, especially during peak season. A slight risk area typically surrounds a moderate risk area,where the threat is lower.
The Paducah office of the National Weather Service predicts a powerful line of storms will reach the Mississippi River by 3 PM, and should move out of the region by 10 PM.
The long line continues to march northeast and been pushing through central Arkansas this morning.
Widespread damaging winds and hail are expected with the line. Wind in excess of 75 mph will be possible. Tornadoes will also be possible.
The NWS predicts 1-3" of rain through early Tuesday. The greatest amounts are expected over southwest Indiana and the Pennyrile region of west Kentucky.
The National Weather Service will provide an updated briefing before noon today.
