Strong Storms Bring a Tornado Risk to IN, KY, TN, & IL Friday

Storms Rumble Through the Tri-State Overnight

Last night, my little dog woke me up. He was afraid of the storm raging right on top of our house. It felt like a war zone outside. The thunder was loud, coming in short punchy cracks, and the lightning was flashing all around. It was so bad that my teenage daughter came and climbed into bed with us, so I ended up sandwiched between a dog and an XL kid. Thankfully, it was over within a few minutes and the storm moved on.

Tri-State Drought Brings a Need for Rain

The tri-state is in near drought conditions, so I’ll take all the rain we can get.

More Severe Weather on the Way

The National Weather Service says more thunderstorms are on the way, but with them comes the threat of tornadoes, hail, and high winds. Welcome back, bad weather.

Regional Severe Weather Summary

A strong storm system will move through the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys on Friday, bringing the potential for severe weather across Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and southern Illinois. Thunderstorms are expected to develop by late afternoon into evening as the front approaches.

Early storms may be supercells capable of producing large hail, especially in western Kentucky and Tennessee. As storms merge, the main threat will shift to damaging straight-line winds spreading east.

In Kentucky and southern Indiana, a brief tornado threat is possible. The tri-state is currently under a marginal risk.

Southern Illinois may see storms late afternoon, with the main risks being hail and damaging winds.

UPDATE: Friday Morning

The National Weather Service released this update:

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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