By Angela Hatton
Murray, KY – A destructive storm system will likely hit our region between 5 and 7 tonight. The storms bring large hail, high winds, and a chance of tornadoes. Paducah National Weather Service Meteorologist in Charge Beverly Poole says discreet storms are popping out ahead of the main line. She says these storms also have the potential of producing damaging hail and tornadoes.
A tornado watch is in effect until 9 pm for Illinois and western Kentucky, and until 10 pm for northwest Tennessee.
As storms hit the quad state area, officials urge people to put their emergency plans in place. That includes having a safe shelter location, a three day supply of food and water, cash in hand, and gas in the car.
Calloway County Emergency Management Director Bill Call says the best place to be in a tornado is a basement or other underground structure. If those aren't available, find an interior wall away from glass.
Call says people should leave mobile homes ahead of a major storm. If you're out driving, he says it's hard to outrun a tornado.
"If you're in a city street where you've got cross streets, go at right angles to the approach to try to escape it best you can. National Weather Service advises not to hide under overpasses. Cause you actually get a funneling effect of wind in an overpass that makes the velocity higher. Sheltering in a ditch is sometimes recommended or get off and find a substantial structure."
Officials recommend using a weather radio to hear updated information specific to your region. If you have a weather radio, make sure you have fresh batteries or an alternate power source.
Storm Shelters are open at several churches in Fulton and Carlisle counties. The First Baptist Church is a shelter in Murray. McCracken County has opened its courthouse basement to all residents.
Kentucky Emergency Management Spokesman Buddy Rogers says on a state level, responders are primed for severe weather. He says procedures are fresh after recent exercises that focused on an earthquake event.
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"We believe if you're prepared for an earthquake, you're prepared for anything Mother Nature could send your way, and certainly severe weather would be one of those."
Rogers says officials are ready to open a state communications center if weather gets bad. The state has also put responders on standby if they need to come in and open emergency operations centers.