High wind speeds forecasted across Kentucky. Severe weather, tornadoes also possible
There are severe weather threats across much of Kentucky Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
Meteorologists have warned to expect wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour or higher, along with widespread rain. Forecasters expected a slight risk for thunderstorms and maybe even tornadoes.
The entire state was under a wind advisory through Thursday evening, according to the National Weather Service. Pike, Letcher and Harlan counties in the eastern-most part of the state were under a high wind warning. Parts of Tennessee had a higher risk for severe weather due to the weather system moving through the region.
“An isolated tornado is not out of the question, but confidence is low,” the National Weather Service in Louisville said on Twitter Thursday.
The National Weather Service also warned that weakened trees and limbs could fall, and a few power outages may occur. Residents were advised to secure outdoor objects.
The most likely time for severe weather was between 2 and 8 p.m. Eastern Time, according to the National Weather Service.
The state already experienced strong winds Wednesday as gusts peaked at 35 miles per hour in parts of Western Kentucky, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah.
Chris Bailey, the chief meteorologist for Herald-Leader reporting partner WKYT, said heavy rainfall of 1 to 2 inches in a short period of time could cause local issues.
A flood watch was put in effect for north-Central Kentucky and southern Indiana. In Kentucky, flooding risks were highest for counties along the Ohio River, according to the National Weather Service.