Warm and windy conditions fuel overnight storms and heavy rain
WEATHER IMPACT DAY: Temperatures soar into the 80s on Wednesday ahead of strong-to-severe storms overnight
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – A strong southerly wind will push temperatures well into the 80s today, but this warm-up comes ahead of a multi-day severe weather event that will bring strong storms, damaging winds, and significant flooding concerns to central and eastern Kentucky. An ABC 36 Storm Team Weather Impact Day has been issued for late Wednesday evening through Thursday, with additional severe weather and flood threats continuing through the weekend.
Severe Storms & High Winds Late Wednesday Night into Thursday
A Wind Advisory is in effect for much of the region, with gusts of 40-50 mph expected this afternoon and evening. These winds, combined with a strong low-level jet, will set the stage for severe storms arriving late tonight. The Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of central and northern Kentucky under a Level 3 out of 5 Severe Risk, with a Level 4 risk just to our west in Louisville and western Kentucky. Storms will be strongest west of I-65 before weakening slightly as they approach our area overnight. However, this remains a close call, and damaging wind gusts, a few tornadoes, and isolated large hail will all be possible.
A Flood Watch goes into effect tonight and lasts through Sunday for all of central and eastern Kentucky, except for southeastern areas. The potential for 6-8 inches of rain through Sunday could lead to river and flash flooding across the Bluegrass region.
Thursday & Friday: Stalled Front Leads to Repeated Storms & Flash Flooding
By Thursday morning, the cold front will slow and stall over Kentucky, allowing for multiple rounds of rain and storms. There is a Level 2 Severe Risk for all of the area Thursday, with damaging winds as the main concern. More importantly, a Level 3 out of 4 flash flood risk covers central and northern Kentucky. Training thunderstorms—storms moving repeatedly over the same areas—will contribute to the flooding threat. Some areas could see an additional 4-5 inches of rain by Friday morning.
Saturday & Sunday: Final Rounds of Heavy Rain & Severe Storms
A brief break in heavy rain may come late Friday into early Saturday as the stalled front lifts slightly north, but the threat returns Saturday night into Sunday morning. Another wave of strong-to-severe storms will push through, along with another 2-3 inches of rain, worsening ongoing flooding concerns. The cold front will finally push through late Sunday, bringing an end to the storm threat and ushering in a shot of much cooler air.
What You Can Do Now
- Prepare for possible power outages from strong winds and storms.
- Clear storm drains & culverts to reduce localized flooding.
- Have multiple ways to receive warnings (NOAA Weather Radio, ABC 36 Weather App, etc.).
- Never drive through flooded roadways—turn around, don’t drown.
Stay with the ABC 36 Storm Team for the latest updates as this multi-day storm event unfolds. We’ll be here around the clock to keep you informed and safe.
