The National Weather Service is warning of two rounds of potentially severe storms that could impact the region Friday and Saturday, with the first wave expected to bring damaging winds, large hail, and the possibility of tornadoes.
Forecasters have issued a Moderate Risk (Level 4 out of 5) for severe thunderstorms beginning late Friday afternoon and continuing into the early hours of Saturday morning. The primary hazards include widespread damaging winds, possibly reaching hurricane-force speeds, as well as large hail and the risk of EF-2 or stronger tornadoes.
“These storms could move quickly — up to 70 miles per hour — and bring significant impacts across the Quad State region,” the NWS said in a 3:40 p.m. briefing on Thursday.
In addition to the severe weather potential, strong south winds ahead of the storms are expected to gust between 40-50 mph Friday afternoon and evening. A Wind Advisory has been issued for the entire area during that timeframe.
Meteorologists said some uncertainty remains, particularly regarding how much moisture will be available to fuel the storms. However, the risk remains high enough to warrant early preparations.
A second round of storms is possible Saturday, primarily across western Kentucky and southwest Indiana. While the overall threat is slightly lower — a Level 2 out of 5 (Slight Risk) — isolated severe thunderstorms remain possible. Damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes are again the primary threats.
“Heavy rainfall is a bigger concern for Saturday,” the NWS said. “Flash flooding may develop, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.”
Rain totals from Friday’s storms are expected to stay near one inch or less for most areas, but an additional 1 to 3 inches could fall Saturday in western Kentucky.
Forecasters say the last time a Moderate Risk was issued two days in advance was in March 2023 — an uncommon move that highlights the potential severity of this weather system.
An updated forecast is expected by 5 a.m. Friday.
