Kentucky is expected to see some strong weather travel through the region. Forecasters said some areas could see some strong winds and hail. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for areas of Eastern Kentucky until 6 p.m. Monday. Officials said some of the most severe weather will occur before 4 p.m.
Anthony Richey is a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Jackson. He said because the storms are coming through in lines, it is hard to pin point when it will hit the commonwealth the hardest.
“What we are expecting is the thunderstorm activity to rapidly increase, which means the storms are going to start increasing in numbers and coverage across the Eastern Kentucky,” said Richey. “We have unfortunately have all the ingredients in place for a significate severe weather outbreak. We are most concerned about strong damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes.”
Richey added these storms are not bringing up concern about flash flooding because they are moving so quickly through the region. However, if the same location gets hits over and over by the storms, flooding could then occur.
While the tornedo watch is in effect, Richey said people need to know the difference between warning and watch issues.
“When someone hears that a watch has been issued that means that the potential exists for severe weather to occur somewhere within or just outside the boundaries of the watch. That doesn’t mean that severe weather is actually occurring right now, but it could in the future,” said Richey. “If a warning is issued that means severe weather is occurring near where you live and it is going to move into your area soon, you need to take immediate action to protect yourself from it. That means if you hear a warning go out, you need to go to shelter immediately.”
Meteorologist are predicting to the region will experience cooler temperatures for a short period of time.
More information about Monday’s weather and current watches and warnings can be found at weather.gov.