Friday’s Severe Weather Risk Upgraded in Parts of Kentucky & Tennessee

Severe Weather Risk Upgraded for Friday, September 5

Yesterday, I shared that we could see some severe weather today (Friday, September 5). At the time, we were at a Marginal Risk for severe weather, which included hail, damaging winds, and even the chance of a tornado. Now, that risk level has been upgraded to Slight.

What a “Slight” Risk Really Means

I know “slight” risk doesn’t sound too concerning, and, technically, it’s only a 2 on a scale of 5. But I always like to lean on the side of caution, especially after we had a tornado rip through our neighborhood last year when there wasn’t even a tornado risk issued!

Here's what slight and marginal risks are according to NOAA.

• 1-MRGL (dark green) - Marginal risk - An area of severe storms of either limited organization and longevity, or very low coverage and marginal intensity.
• 2-SLGT (yellow) - Slight risk - An area of organized severe storms, which is not widespread in coverage with varying levels of intensity.

Areas Most Impacted by the Upgrade

This upgrade seems to miss most of the Tri-State but is affecting our friends in the Bowling Green, KY, area.

Main Threats According to the National Weather Service

Thankfully, the National Weather Service reports that hail and high winds are the main threats right now. The risk for tornadoes remains “very low.” So, that’s good news.

Hazardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will develop late this afternoon through tonight across parts of western Kentucky. A few of these storms could be severe, with damaging winds and large hail being the main threats. The main timing for severe weather will between about 6 PM to midnight.

With a cold front moving into the region, temperatures will vary widely across the area, from the lower 90s along the Kentucky-Tennessee border to around 80 degrees along Interstate 64. Showers and storms overnight will bring light to modest rainfall totals by Saturday morning.

Dry and pleasant weather is forecast this weekend, with high temperatures slightly below normal. A warming trend will send temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and lower 90s by the middle of next week, along with continued dry conditions.

Read More: Weather Myths We've All Fallen For (Like Heat Lightning) 

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