Severe Weather Threat Returns to the Tristate After Devastating Tornadoes
The Tristate is again expected to experience severe weather across the region later today and tomorrow, Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
As many across parts of Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois were devastated by Friday night's storms, we find ourselves bracing for more severe weather. While the risk level is not as high as it was leading into Friday's storms, we do need to ensure that we are prepared, as there is still risk for dangerous winds and tornadoes.
Tornadoes Confirmed Across Tristate After Friday Night’s Storms
The National Weather Service has confirmed nearly a dozen tornadoes across the region on Friday, May 16, 2025, including at least one violent EF4 with peak winds of 190 miles per hour near Marion in Southern Illinois. An EF3 struck near Madisonville, Kentucky, and a long-track EF2 near Bloomington, Indiana, traveled more than 35 miles.
National Weather Service and Local Officials Urge Preparedness
As we start a new week, the National Weather Service out of Paducah, Kentucky, has shared that our region is at a "Marginal to Enhanced Risk" for severe weather tonight into tomorrow. They remind us that now is the time to ensure you have a safety plan in place.
Our region is in a Marginal to Enhanced Risk of severe thunderstorms tonight, and in a Slight to Enhanced Risk of severe storms Tuesday into Tuesday evening. Go over your severe weather plans now to be prepared to take action if a warning is issued for your location. - NWS Paducah KY
What to Expect from Tonight’s Weather Risk
Likewise, Chief Meteorologist Wayne Hart has issued a similar warning for this evening, sharing that we are likely to see storms move into the area overnight in the early morning hours.
MARGINAL-SLIGHT (levels 1-2 of 5) risk for severe storms across #tristatewx for the overnight hours. Scattered storms will move in from the west mainly after 1am tonight. An isolated severe storm is possible (all hazards possible) with the threat a bit higher west of US 45 in Illinois. The storms will likely diminish/end around daybreak Tuesday. - Meterorologist Wayne Hart
Tuesday’s Storms Could Be More Severe
The Warrick County Emergency Management Agency says there is a chance for hail and damaging wind gusts. They also say that while the tornado threat is low with the marginal 1 out of 5 risk with tonight's storms, it cannot be ruled out.
READ MORE: Where To Go When a Tornado Strikes and You're Not Home
As they look closer at tomorrow's storm with its slight 2 out of 5 risk, Warrick County Emergency Management says Tuesday afternoon and evening storms have the potential to become severe. Hail, dangerous winds, and tornadoes will be a risk with this line of storms as well.
How to Prepare for Severe Weather Before It Strikes
They also recommend ensuring that you have a safety plan in place before these storm events. We have some tips below to help you be prepared.
Now is the time to go over severe weather plans with friends and family. Always have a plan and know what to do when severe weather is in the forecast. - Warrick County Emergency Management Agency
Be Prepared: Essential Tornado Safety Tips to Protect Your Family and Pets
Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals
Essential Items To Build Your Emergency Preparedness Kit
Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals