A pair of severe weather systems are expected to hit the Owensboro area throughout the next week, according to the National Weather Service. Both systems include potential strong tornadoes and large hail, while the mid-week threat also includes the risk of prolonged heavy rainfall that could lead to significant flash flooding, forecasts show.
The National Weather Service in Paducah has placed the region under an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe weather Sunday afternoon into the overnight hours. Scattered to numerous strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across southeast Missouri and southern Illinois by mid to late afternoon, pushing into western Kentucky during the evening and continuing through early Monday morning.
The NWS said several modes of severe weather are possible, including tornadoes — some of which could be strong and long-lived — along with large to very large hail and damaging wind gusts exceeding 60 mph. There is also a 10% or greater chance for significant hail (2 inches or larger) and hurricane-force wind gusts (74 mph or greater), NWS forecasts show.
Heavy rain is likely, but the rapid movement of storms may limit the threat for flash flooding Sunday night, according to forecasters.
A brief lull is expected Monday night into Tuesday, but the forecast turns active again by midweek. Another round of potentially significant severe weather is likely Wednesday, with supercells capable of producing very large hail, strong tornadoes, and damaging winds, the NWS said.
Additionally, a prolonged period of heavy rainfall is expected from Wednesday through Friday. Forecast models suggest widespread totals of 2 to 8 inches across the region, with the heaviest amounts possible in western Kentucky and surrounding areas. Flash flooding and river flooding — especially along the Green, Little, and Ohio rivers — are likely to develop, the NWS said.
Residents are urged to stay weather aware, monitor forecasts closely, and have a plan in place in the event warnings are issued. The National Weather Service will issue the next update by 4 a.m. Sunday.
