Quiet weather Tuesday ahead of a multi-day severe weather and flooding threat

Temperatures climb into the upper 50s near 60 on Tuesday ahead of a very active second half of the week

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Tuesday will bring a much-needed quiet weather day with skies gradually clearing and temperatures running a little below average, reaching the upper 50s and low 60s. However, all eyes are on an increasingly active and dangerous weather pattern that kicks in Wednesday night and continues into the weekend.

ABC 36 Storm Team Weather Impact Day: Wednesday Evening – Thursday

A Level 3 out of 5 Severe Risk is already in place for parts of central and northern Kentucky from Wednesday evening into Thursday morning. The primary threats will be damaging wind gusts, isolated tornadoes, and large hail, especially northwest of Lexington. In addition to that, there is already a Level 2 Severe Risk extends through much of the region.

Beyond the severe threat, a significant river and flash flooding event is setting up across the Bluegrass region. A stalled front and multiple rounds of heavy rain will bring 6-8 inches of rainfall across central & northern Kentucky through Sunday, with some locally higher amounts.

A Flood Watch is in effect for most of the region through Sunday.

Wednesday’s Severe Setup: Widespread Wind and Storm Concerns

A warm front lifts into the region overnight into Wednesday morning, leading to a sharp rise in temperatures and wind gusts. Morning lows in the 40s will give way to afternoon highs in the upper 70s and low 80s, providing ample instability for thunderstorms later in the day.

Strong southerly winds gusting 40-50 mph will develop ahead of the incoming system, even outside of storms. By Wednesday evening, an approaching storm system will ignite severe storms in the Midwest that will track into Kentucky overnight. Damaging wind gusts and tornadoes are the biggest concerns, with the potential for a broken line of storms sweeping through after sunset.

Thursday Through Sunday: Major Flooding and Continued Severe Threat

The severe threat doesn’t stop on Wednesday. A stalled frontal boundary will trigger repeated rounds of heavy rain and storms from Thursday through Saturday. A Level 3 out of 4 flash flood risk covers much of the Bluegrass region, with a Level 2 severe risk both Friday and Saturday.

If current projections hold, this could be one of the most significant flood events in recent Kentucky history. Some river gauges suggest a 30% chance of major flooding along several central and northern Kentucky rivers.

Preparation & Safety Reminders

• Use today’s quiet weather to prepare. If you live in a flood-prone area, clear storm drains and secure outdoor objects ahead of strong winds.
• Be weather-aware Wednesday evening. Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including NOAA Weather Radio and the ABC 36 Storm Team app.
• Stay off flooded roads. Never drive through high water – turn around, don’t drown.
• Monitor river levels. If you live near a river or in a low-lying area, be prepared for possible evacuations later this week.

Stay with the ABC 36 Storm Team for the latest updates. We’ll have updates throughout the week as this high-impact event unfolds.