Heavy rain and gusty winds remain in the forecast overnight
A Flood Watch remains in effect for through 8 AM Sunday
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Our ABC 36 Storm Team Weather Impact Day remains in effect through the overnight hours. A Flood Watch remains in effect for most of the ABC 36 viewing area until 8 AM Sunday, with an additional 1-3 inches of rainfall possible overnight. In addition, a Wind Advisory is in place through Sunday morning as non-thunderstorm wind gusts could exceed 40 mph at times. Stay weather-aware as we move through the night and into early Sunday morning.
Strong storms & Heavy Rain Overnight
A dynamic storm system continues to push through Kentucky tonight, bringing multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms. Some of these storms could be strong to severe, especially in areas east of I-65, where instability may surge ahead of an approaching low-pressure system. While the main concern remains gusty winds and heavy rain, a few spin-up tornadoes cannot be ruled out. Localized flash flooding is also possible, particularly in areas that have already seen heavy rainfall throughout the day.
As the night progresses, the more intense storms will begin to taper off, but another wave of showers and storms is expected early Sunday in eastern Kentucky.
Sunday: More Rain Before Colder Air Arrives
While the worst of the severe weather should exit by early Sunday morning, the upper trough lingers, allowing for scattered showers and thunderstorms to redevelop—primarily in eastern Kentucky. Some of these storms could be on the stronger side, with gusty winds and even small hail possible.
Temperatures will gradually fall through the day, starting in the mid-50s and dropping as cooler air surges in behind the front. By Sunday evening, temperatures will dip into the upper 30s and low 40s, setting the stage for a chilly start to the workweek.
Colder St. Patrick’s Day, Then a Big Warm-Up
Monday (St. Patrick’s Day) will be much cooler, with highs struggling to reach the low 50s across central and eastern Kentucky. Lingering cloud cover and possible upslope showers near the Virginia border may make it feel even colder, especially in higher elevations. Some areas in far southeastern Kentucky could even see a few flurries mixed in overnight into early Tuesday.
After the brief cold snap, a warming trend kicks in by midweek, with highs surging back into the upper 60s to near 70 by Tuesday. Another system brings breezy conditions and scattered showers Wednesday into Thursday, but temperatures should stay near or slightly above normal for much of next week.
