UPDATE THURSDAY 4:57 p.m.:
The storm system is moving through the region from southwest to northeast. The storm system is producing isolated severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado warnings. The system should be out of the region by 9:00 p.m. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 9:00 p.m..
National Weather Service meteorologists say the risk of tornado formation in western Kentucky this afternoon has gone down. NWS meteorologist Dan Spaeth says in thelatest multimedia briefing from the NWS that the timing has changed a little for the approaching system. Severe weather is predicted to impact West Kentucky between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
“It’s not a high threat, or a particularly dangerous situation like we get sometimes, but there is a threat and people should be prepared to go to their safe place if need be tomorrow,” forecaster Jim Packett said.
Packett said 60-70 mph “downburst-type” winds should be expected during the day. The storm system will move from west to east beginning around 3:00 and exit our region by 8 p.m.
Packett isn’t expecting heavy rainfall over a broad area, but isolated flooding can't be ruled out.
PREVIOUSLY:
The Storm Prediction Centerhas placed the region at a slight risk of severe weather tomorrow with a 10% or greater probability of significant severe weather. Significant Severe weather means tornadoes of EF2 or greater, wind gusts in excess of 74 mph and hail two inches in diameter or greater.
National Weather Service meteorologists say a warm front moving north across our region will bring scattered thunderstorms tonight and numerous showers and thunderstorms Thursday.
Some of these storms could be severe especially from late Thursday morning through the early evening. National Weather Service meteorologist Dan Spaeth says there may even be a chance of hail.
“Once the warm front goes through then there is potential for some scattered storms through pretty much the whole day and the cold front is going to come through late in the evening, near sunset in the Murray area,” said Spaeth. “Any storms during the day and near that front could be severe”
Damaging wind is the primary threat with this system, but Spaeth says tornadoes are possible but unlikely.
Localized flooding is possible due to saturated ground conditions. Outside thunderstorms, winds may gust to 40 mph.
