Here’s When Strong Storms Are Expected to Hit the Tri-State Saturday

Storms Headed Toward the Tri-State This Weekend in Indiana & Kentucky

If you plan on heading out Saturday, grab an umbrella or raincoat because two rounds of storms are headed for the Tri-State. The National Weather Service is warning that a thunderstorm system will move across the U.S. tomorrow.

National Weather Service Forecast

"From the ArkLaTex to western Kentucky, the Storm Prediction Center has a Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms in their outlook for Saturday, with a more favorable dynamical environment in tandem with higher instability. This could lead to some instances of damaging winds, large hail, and a few tornadoes with the strongest storms that develop. A Marginal Risk for severe weather extends farther north across the Ohio Valley."

Right now, we’re sitting in a Marginal to Slight risk of severe weather (1 and 2 on a scale of 5). Things shouldn’t get too bad, but our local office of the National Weather Service in Paducah does warn:

"Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Saturday evening through early Sunday morning. There will be a low-end risk of a couple brief tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, and large hail. The slight risk area has been expanded slightly eastward. Stay tuned for further updates."

Timing of the Storms

The National Weather Service says the first round of storms will move in during the afternoon. The second, stronger line is expected after 7 PM.

How Much Rain Will We Get?

The National Weather Service has predicted 1-1.5" of rain with this weather event.

Fall Tornadoes in Indiana and Kentucky

Even though tornadoes are more common in spring, fall storms can still pack a punch. On October 18, 2007, a severe storm produced 48 tornadoes across eight states including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. That came just a day after 16 more tornadoes touched down across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri.

We’re also approaching the 20th anniversary of the November 6, 2006, tornado that tragically killed 25 people in Evansville.

According to Indiana Weather Online, “Fall tornadoes are dangerous as they are typically fast-moving, occur after dark, and sometimes become rain-wrapped.”

How to Stay Alert

Even though we’re in a marginal to slight risk zone, it’s still important to stay alert and flexible with your weekend plans. Weather can change quickly, so make sure you have our app downloaded and notifications turned on. That way, you’ll get the latest updates from the National Weather Service and our local weather pros.

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