The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center out of Paducah, Kentucky has issued a statement for the tri-state area saying there is a potential for severe weather in the area later tonight and tomorrow.

The threat begins this evening with a 20 percent chance of isolated thunderstorms that could produce large hail and damaging winds. Cold air moving into the area overnight Thursday creates a 40 percent chance of rain and the potential for more severe weather with strong winds again being the primary concern. However they do warn that some isolated storms could have the potential to produce large hail and a few tornadoes. The chance of rain increases to 100 percent Thursday night with pockets of locally heavy rain possible.

When these types of warnings present themselves, it's always a good idea to review, or create, your severe weather plan with your family. Designate a safe spot somewhere in the home away from windows, such as a basement, where everyone can gather to ride out the storm. If a basement is not available, select a room with as few windows a possible, such as a bathroom or closet.

It's also important to have fresh batteries on hand for flashlights, and a portable radio in the event your power goes out. In the event tornadoes are spotted, or the severity of the storm becomes a life-threatening issue, we will immediately interrupt our regular program to simulcast coverage from Wayne Hart and the rest of the WEHT Local weather team until the threat passes.

It's also a good idea to have RadioPup on your smartphone or other mobile device in the event you don't have a radio in the home, the batteries are dead, or you having trouble tuning in the station. RadioPup is a free download in the App Store and Google Play.

 

UPDATE 4/18/2013 3:45 PM: The moderate risk for severe weather has been downgraded to a high-end slight risk.  This means that the atmospheric conditions are not as favorable for a dense, widespread area of severe weather.  Although the risk has been downgraded, still be cautious of tornadoes and damaging winds throughout the evening hours.

 

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