Ky3 Weather: FIRST ALERT — Strong to Severe Storms, Tornado Watch in Effect Tonight
The ky3 weather alert is active after a Tornado Watch was issued as storms are likely to develop this evening and sweep through eastern Iowa tonight. The watch and the expected organized line of storms raise the risk of damaging winds, large hail and even an isolated tornado during overnight hours, making preparedness critical.
Ky3 Weather: Tornado Watch, timing and threat
Storms are expected to form this evening and move generally east-northeastward through the region. The highest chances for strong to severe storms are between about 7: 00 p. m. and 2: 00 a. m. A Tornado Watch covers much of the viewing area along and south of U. S. Highway 20 and remains in effect until 4: 00 a. m.
Thunderstorms have already developed in parts of Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. Forecasts indicate at least a somewhat organized line of storms should take shape and move through the area overnight. Within that line, instances of damaging straight-line winds, large hail and an isolated tornado are possible.
Safety steps and how to receive alerts
If a storm approaches, seek shelter indoors immediately. If a warning is issued, move to the lowest floor of your home away from windows; interior closets or bathrooms provide more protection, and a basement is best where available. Use pillows, blankets or a helmet to protect your head and neck. If you live in a mobile home, plan to abandon it for more substantial shelter. If you are caught outdoors, try to get to an indoor structure; as a last resort, lie flat in a ditch while shielding your head and neck. Do not take shelter under bridges or overpasses.
Have multiple ways to receive alerts: keep a NOAA Weather Radio plugged in and turned on to receive warnings. A dedicated weather app can provide customized location alerts, and local broadcasters will issue updates as conditions warrant. Staying alert through the overnight window is essential given the elevated risk between 7: 00 p. m. and 2: 00 a. m.
What to expect after the storms — cold front and weekend forecast
A cold front associated with this storm system will move through later tonight, shifting winds from a more southerly direction to west and then northwest. This change will usher in cooler, drier air for the start of the weekend and will bring an end to precipitation chances, though clouds are expected to linger into Saturday morning.
Saturday should start somewhat gray, with more sunshine likely by the afternoon despite continued blustery conditions. Lows tonight are forecast to fall into the 30s in the north and around 40 in central and southern areas, with daytime highs only reaching the mid to upper 40s on Saturday.
Winds will shift again Saturday night to the southwest, helping temperatures rebound for the end of the weekend. Expect highs in the upper 50s in the north to the upper 60s in the south. A couple of milder days are likely to begin the following week, with highs near the 60s to low 70s on Monday. Tuesday appears to be more variable, with temperatures ranging from the 50s in the north to near 70 in the south as another storm system approaches.
The next storm system has the best chance of bringing rain and storms later Tuesday into Tuesday night, with a little residual precipitation possible on Wednesday. There is an outside chance of a brief mix of snow before precipitation ends, but notable accumulation is not expected. Temperatures are likely to remain cooler behind that early-week system, with highs generally in the 40s and 50s, and another storm late in the week or by the following weekend could bring additional precipitation.
Monitor local emergency information and maintain a safety plan for tonight’s elevated risk. Stay tuned for updates as conditions evolve.
