NWS Warns of a ‘Very Active and Dangerous Weather Pattern’ to Hit IN, KY, TN, IL Starting Friday Evening

It's been a wild week and we aren't done yet. The National Weather Service is predicting more severe storms.

Weekend Weather Outlook

The National Weather Service issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook:

Flooding

The Flood Watch continues. Persistent showers and thunderstorms with heavy rainfall will lead to worsening and expanding flash flooding problems and rapid rises on area rivers through tonight.

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Friday Night

Severe thunderstorms with the potential for very large hail, strong long-track tornadoes, and damaging winds are expected to develop over southeast Missouri early this evening and then spread through southern Illinois and west Kentucky through the remainder of the evening. The severe threat will diminish with time and eastward extent across the Quad State, especially after midnight.

According to a graphic by the NWS, we can expect the storms to hit sometime past 8 PM.

Saturday through Thursday

A few severe storms with large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes will be possible Saturday, mainly over west Kentucky.

The Flood Watch will continue until Sunday morning. Widespread showers and thunderstorm with very heavy rainfall will overspread the entire Quad State Saturday and then finally come to an end from the west early Sunday. Widespread flash flooding is expected throughout the Quad State and catastrophic flooding is likely over portions of west Kentucky and possibly far southeast Missouri.

In addition, most area rivers will rise above flood stage as we head through the weekend and into next week.

You know the drill at this point! If things get bad, we'll be live streaming Eyewitness News 25! Download our app and we'll send out Breaking News Notifications!

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How to Prepare for a Flood

According to ready.gov, there are a few things you can do to prepare.

1. Make a manageable go-bag. You need something that you can easily carry if there is a flood. Include important documents, food, water, medications, phone charger, pet items, and a change of clothes. Move important items to the highest level of your home or off-site.

2. Make a family plan. Decide where to go in the event your family is separated and communications are down.

3. Move to higher ground. If you are at home, go to the highest level you can. Do not try to drive though flood waters.

4. Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.

5. Keep storm drains clear of debris. Sandbag if necessary. Here's where to find them in the tri-state. 

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