Potentially dangerous storms, a 50-degree temperature drop are in the forecast
Tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds were possible as storms moved into Kentucky Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service in Louisville warned.
A tornado watch was in effect until 6 a.m. Wednesday for Fayette and a number of other counties in western and Central Kentucky, particularly along the Ohio River.
Central Kentucky was also under a wind advisory until 4 p.m. Wednesday.
“Large hail to golfball size or locally larger, damaging winds of 70 mph, and spin-up tornadoes will all be possible. The most likely timing for the greatest tornado threat is after about 2 AM EST,” the weather service said.
In a news release Tuesday evening, Gov. Andy Beshear urged Kentuckians to stay vigilant.
“These storms will carry the risk of damaging winds, including possible tornadoes, especially along our northern border from Paducah to Louisville,” Beshear said.
“Throughout the night, we urge Kentuckians to monitor the weather on weather.gov, by watching local TV or listening to NOAA weather radio,” the governor said. “Please contact your local emergency management office if you need to find a safe place to shelter.”
The storm could feature multiple rounds of heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts and isolated tornadoes.
The NWS said wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour could knock down unsecured objects and tree limbs, as well as cause a few power outages.
Lexington saw warm temperatures and a morning thunderstorm Tuesday before what was expected to be a near 50-degree drop in temperatures in a little over 48 hours, according to the National Weather Service.
Following the storm will be much colder temperatures, dropping into the mid 20s Wednesday evening, according to the NWS. On Thursday the temperatures are expected to reach the mid 40s.
WKYT chief meteorologist Chris Bailey is calling for a similar weather pattern in his forecast. Bailey said there’s a chance for a brief period of sleet and snow when the temperatures plummet Wednesday evening.
Temperatures were expected to climb into the low 70s Tuesday, approaching the record high for Feb. 27. According to the NWS, the record high temperature for Feb. 27 is 74 degrees Fahrenheit. The record was broken last year.
The high temperature record for Feb. 26 was nearly broken Monday, as it got up to 73 degrees, according to the NWS. The record for Feb. 26 is 76 degrees and it has stood since 1944.
Herald-Leader staff writer Karla Ward contributed to this report.
This story was originally published February 26, 2024 at 11:16 AM.
