Thursday, April 2, 2015

Severe storms, flooding possible

The National Weather Service in Paducah is alerting the lower Ohio River Valley of possible severe storms and flooding into Friday evening.

A flood watch that includes Crittenden and Livingston counties is in effect from 7 p.m. today to 7 p.m. Friday. The watch is related to a forecast of thunderstorms, some possibly severe, beginning this afternoon and continuing into Friday afternoon, bringing with them heavy rains.

"The presence of a quasi-stationary frontal boundary combined with deep layer moisture and weak upper support will provide the necessary ingredients for locally heavy rainfall...," the weather service watch warns.

Widespread thunderstorms are possible today and tonight. A few storms may become severe this afternoon and into the evening hours with the primary threats being damaging winds and large hail, though a tornado threat cannot be ruled out.

Storms are also possible Friday, then diminishing Friday night. A few storms Friday afternoon could become severe with damaging winds and large hail.

Anywhere from 2 to 4 inches of rain are expected through Friday evening. Locally, higher amounts are possible.

Thunderstorms are also possible Sunday night through Wednesday.