UPDATE for Friday: Level 4 Severe Weather Risk Issued for the Tristate
An elevated risk for severe weather means it's time to check the batteries in your weather radio and make sure your emergency preparedness kit is fully stocked.
Level 4 Severe Weather Risk Issued for the Tristate
According to Eye Witness News Chief Meteorologist Wayne Hart, the Tristate area, including Southern Indiana, Western Kentucky, and Southeastern Illinois, as well as parts of Eastern Missouri, has been elevated to a Level 4 risk (out of 5) for severe weather.
What to Expect from Friday’s Dangerous Storm System
According to Wayne, the mainline of storms is more likely to produce "widespread damaging winds" that could exceed 70 miles per hour. Those are expected to impact the area during the late afternoon.
Wayne Hart Warns of Widespread Damaging Winds and Hail
In his post to social media, he explains that scattered storms with potential for supercells could arrive as early as 1 pm on Friday, bringing the threat of baseball-sized hail or larger. He also says that damaging winds and even long-track tornadoes are possible.
Tornadoes and Supercells Possible as Storms Intensify
The second line of Friday's storms is expected to impact the area after approximately 4 pm and continue on into the early evening hours. Again, high winds, very large hail, and a serious threat of tornadoes are possible with these storms.
Prepare Now with a Severe Weather Safety Kit
Make sure you and your family have an emergency plan and an appropriate store of supplies. You can find tips for preparing your severe weather safety preparedness kit below.
Originally posted May 14, 2025:
Severe Weather Expected Thursday and Friday Across the Tri-State
Forecast models shared by the National Weather Service out of Paducah, Kentucky, are indicating that we could see some severe weather across Southern Indiana and parts of Western Kentucky as we wrap up the week. This includes the cities of Evansville, Henderson, and Owensboro, as well as all additional surrounding areas.
What to Expect from Thursday’s Storms
The National Weather Service is forecasting a "slight risk" of severe weather for Thursday, May 15, 2025. This means that isolated severe storms are a possibility for Thursday afternoon into early evening, with a second round of storms Thursday evening into the overnight hours.
Thursday's Winds Could Exceed 60 Miles Per Hour
They say the main threats with Thursday's line of storms across Indiana and Kentucky include dangerous high winds exceeding 60 miles per hour, and up to baseball-sized hail. They say that a few tornadoes are also possible with this line of storms.
READ MORE: Does a Green Sky Mean A Tornado is Coming?
Friday’s Forecast Brings an Enhanced Risk
Things are forecasted to ramp up on Friday, May 16, 2025, as the risk increases from a slight risk on Thursday to level 3, enhanced risk. The National Weather Service is predicting "multiple rounds" of storms on Friday beginning in the late morning hours.
Potential Threats Include Tornadoes and Baseball-Sized Hail
They say that Friday's second round of storms is expected to arrive in the late afternoon and continue into the evening hours. It's during this time that the National Weather Service predicts the potential for the most severe weather.
READ MORE: Know the Difference Between a Watch and a Warning
Have Multiple Ways to Receive Weather Warnings
Friday's storms have the potential to bring damaging winds exceeding 70 miles per hour, as well as up to baseball-sized hail, and a risk of tornadoes. Due to the risk of these storms, residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive weather-related warnings.
How to Stay Safe During a Severe Weather Event
In the event of a warning in your area, seek shelter immediately in a basement or an interior room, with no windows, on the lowest level of your home.
[SOURCE: NWS Paducah KY via Facebook]
Be Prepared: Essential Tornado Safety Tips to Protect Your Family and Pets
Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals