KENTUCKY — Parts of Kentucky are at risk for severe thunderstorms Saturday, with forecasters warning that damaging wind gusts will be the primary threat, along with the possibility of isolated tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, much of southern and central Kentucky is included in a Marginal Risk and Slight Risk (Level 1 and 2 of 5) for severe weather through early Sunday morning.
Forecasters say several weather disturbances moving east-southeast from Missouri and Kansas are expected to help trigger thunderstorms across Kentucky and Tennessee throughout the afternoon and evening. As the atmosphere becomes increasingly unstable, some storms could become well-organized, including isolated supercells and larger clusters capable of producing severe weather.
The main hazard is expected to be damaging straight-line winds, though a few tornadoes cannot be ruled out. The Storm Prediction Center said the strongest storms will develop in an environment with sufficient wind shear to support severe thunderstorm organization.
The severe weather threat is expected to continue into the evening before gradually diminishing overnight.
Residents are encouraged to closely monitor the forecast, have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, and be prepared to seek shelter quickly if severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings are issued.
