Risk of Severe Storms, Wind This Afternoon

The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded portions of southeast Missouri, extreme southern Illinois, and far western Kentucky to an enhanced (level 3 on a scale of 5) risk for severe thunderstorms today, primarily this afternoon and this evening.

Much of the remainder of the area remains in a Slight risk (level 2).

At least some sunshine today should allow the atmosphere to heat up and destabilize this afternoon. New storm development is expected from southern Missouri into southwest Illinois by early to mid afternoon. This activity will progress east across the rest of the area during the late afternoon and evening.

Damaging wind remains the primary concern, but large hail and a brief tornado are possible with a few of the storms, especially in the enhanced risk area.

The activity should weaken during the evening with the loss of daytime heating.

On the Net:

Paducah Weather Service webpage