The National Weather Service is warning of a severe weather event beginning Wednesday, with a Level 4 out of 5 tornado risk and potentially “catastrophic” flash flooding expected through the weekend.
Forecasters say the entire region is under an Enhanced Risk for severe storms, with damaging winds and large hail possible. The highest tornado potential is between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m. Wednesday, but the threat may linger until the main line of storms clears overnight, the NWS said.
At the same time, a prolonged period of heavy rainfall is expected to dump 7–12 inches across western Kentucky between Wednesday afternoon and Saturday night. Higher amounts are possible in some areas.
For context, western Kentucky saw 5 to 6 inches of rain in a February event that caused major flooding. This time, totals are expected to be significantly higher and stretched across a longer period, with intense thunderstorm activity increasing the likelihood of flash flooding.
“This would lead to potentially catastrophic flash flooding,” the NWS warned. “What we mean by that is areas where homes and businesses are inundated, roadways are closed or washed out, impacts and flooding in areas that normally don’t see flooding.”
Flood Watches have already been issued from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday morning, and the Excessive Rainfall Outlook has been raised to Level 4 (High Risk) — the highest tier possible.
Officials urge the public to take the upcoming days seriously and prepare now for a prolonged stretch of dangerous weather.
