Meteorologists say that cold northwest winds will increase significantly by 3 pm. Most of the area along and east of the Mississippi River will see gusts up to at least 30 mph at times late this afternoon. The strongest winds will be across southern Illinois and southwest Indiana. Wind gusts in these areas may approach 40 mph.
The winds will begin to diminish after 6 pm, but gusts to 25 mph may continue for much of the evening before finally settling down.
The National Weather Service has also issued a freeze warning in effect from 3 am to 9 am Sunday. The warning includes portions of southeast Missouri through Jackson and Perryville, portions of southern Illinois from Carbondale and Pinckneyville northeast to McLeansboro and Mt Carmel, and portions of southwest Indiana.
Temperatures in those areas could be at or below 30 degrees for a few hours. The sub-freezing air will damage or kill unprotected sensitive vegetation.
On the Net:
Paducah Weather Service webpage
