Wild Weather Feb 2025 IN & KY: Tornados, Flooding, and Snow

Growing up in the tri-state, I only remember a couple of significant weather events. We had a few tornadoes and ice storms but they didn't seem to happen often. Nowadays, it seems like every week I'm reporting on the crazy weather that's about to hit.

Western KY, Southern IL, Southwest IN Weekend Weather

Let's spin the weather wheel, shall we?

On this week's episode of "Weather in the Tri-State," we are in for some significant flash flooding! The National Weather Service is warning that two to six inches is possible in the area this Saturday. And to top it off, we could also see strong thunderstorms that could produce damaging winds and tornadoes. Neat!

UPDATE: Our weather partners at Eyewitness News have issued a very concerning warning to our friends in Western KY. From their Chief Meteorologist Wayne Hart:

Concern is increasing for a very impactful, life-threatening & significant heavy rainfall/flash flood event for parts of western Kentucky Saturday. The areas in purple are now in a HIGH risk for flash flooding...the first HIGH risk for flash flooding in our area since September 2018. Guidance is indicating 3-5" of rain across much of the Tri-State with the potential for 5-7" in the HIGH risk area with 1-2" per hour rainfall rates possible...especially in areas along the Western Kentucky Parkway.

The HIGH risk area is south of a line from Clay to Dixon-Beech Grove-Owensboro-Tobinsport including all of Hopkins, Muhlenberg, & Ohio counties & much of Daviess, Hancock, McLean, & Webster counties.

And though rainfall amounts may not be as heavy in the Evansville metro & points north of the HIGH risk area, 3-5" of rain will still cause some significant flash flooding.

From the National Weather Service:

We are becoming more concerned that a potentially significant flash flood event will impact parts of the area Saturday afternoon and evening. A Flood Watch is in effect for western Kentucky, southwest Indiana, and parts of southeast Missouri and southern Illinois from 12 AM Saturday to 6 AM Sunday. Rainfall amounts of two to six inches are possible in the Flood Watch area.

If driving, be alert for flooded roads! Never drive through a flooded roadway. It only takes 1 to 2 feet of moving water to sweep a car off a flooded road. Remember, turn around...don't drown!

In addition to the heavy rain and flooding risk, a few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible between 3 and 9 PM Saturday over the Missouri Bootheel into western Kentucky. Damaging wind gusts and a brief tornado or two are the main risks. Stay weather aware!

NWS

How to Prepare for Flood

Now, I highly doubt we'll see the flooding like we saw in North Carolina last year but it's important to take steps to prepare. I checked the FEMA site for guidance.

1. Know your flood risk and get flood insurance.

If you live in a flood plain, it's mandatory. But you could still be at risk for flood. Here's the FEMA flood map that you can search by address. When flooding is imminent or predicted, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders are eligible to receive up to $1,000 to purchase loss avoidance supplies like tarps, sandbags, and more.

2. Clean the gutters.
Don't want your home to suffer roof damage, clean out your gutters so the water has somewhere to go.

3. Move important documents and items away from flood-prone areas.
If your basement floods, it might be a good time to move your important items upstairs.

4. Download our app to stay in-the-know.

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Extreme Weather Next Week Too

Mother Nature is really on a bender this week. Not only are we going to get hit with floods but the NWS is predicting an Artcitc Blast to freeze us out next week.

After this weekend's heavy rain, bitter cold temperatures are expected next week. Some light snow is possible as well, mainly from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. Stay tuned for updates.

NWS