Eastern Kentucky is expected to experience severe weather Wednesday and Thursday. Meteorologists report a cold front passing through the Ohio Valley and into the region will bring with it strong winds and possibly hail.
Alex Vorst, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jackson, said as of Wednesday morning several thunderstorms have sprung up west of Interstate 64. Rowan and surrounding counties can anticipate storms arriving later in the afternoon.
“Damaging wind and hail are possible. Widespread, not expected, but isolated instances of damaging wind and large hail could be in the realm of possibility for this afternoon and early evening,” said Vorst.
While some storms could generate without any hail or damaging wind, Vorst cautions not to forget about the main component, rain.
“The area is also under a marginal threat for excessive rainfall. I know it’s kind of hard to think about, considering the massive lack of rain that we’ve had, but some of these storms could put down a little bit of rainfall, or a lot of rainfall, in a brief period of time,” said Vorst.
Despite this, Vorst said flooding is not currently a concern, and any flooding risks are marginal at best. Residents are advised to be aware of weather concerns and to take reasonable precautions.
Severe weather is predicted to continue through Thursday evening.