The National Weather Service in Louisville is predicting possible severe weather for areas of the state on May 20, following deadly tornadoes that struck parts of Kentucky in recent days. Multiple rounds of storms are possible, with the strongest storms to fall during the evening hours.
NWS Meteorologist Mike Kochasic previously said Louisville has a slight risk for severe weather May 20, with a 5% chance of seeing a significant tornado, a 15% chance for hail and a 15-30% chance for strong damaging winds.
The city is bordering on an enhanced risk for severe weather as of the morning of May 20, with the main wave of storms to hit the area between 4 and 7 p.m. There is also a risk of localized flash flooding associated with the May 20 storms, although Kochasic said flooding is not the “main threat.”
Much of southern Kentucky is considered by the National Weather Service to be at the highest risk, greater than 10%, for a “significant” tornado, defined as an EF-2 tornado or greater. The eastern edge of a border drawn by the weather service is near London, which saw heavy storm damage overnight May 16. The Storm Prediction Center placed the southern half of Kentucky at an “enhanced” risk for severe weather May 20, the third-highest of five levels.
“Really all modes of severe weather are possible, including in the areas hardest hit recently, like Russell, Laurel and Pulaski counties,” National Weather Service Louisville meteorologist Mike Kochasic said. “This is not something to take lightly.”
In the last round of storms May 16, several Kentucky communities were devastated, with nearly 20 dead after a tornado tore through Russell, Pulaski and Laurel counties. Additional tornadoes were also confirmed in west Kentucky,
No life-threatening injuries were reported in Louisville, although at least four were injured when a tree fell through their home, and around 45,000 were originally without power. Here’s what we know about the upcoming forecast for Louisville:
What’s the forecast for Louisville, Kentucky?
Tuesday
Chance of precipitation varies from 50% to 80% with showers and thunderstorms possible during the day and overnight. New rainfall amounts of between 1-2 inches during the day and an additional 1/4 to 1/2 inch possible overnight. East winds of 8-10 mph become south in the afternoon with wind gusts as high as 20 mph. Southwest winds of 6-8 mph in the evening. Mostly cloudy with a high near 81 and low around 61.
Wednesday
Chance of precipitation is 10-20% with showers possible mainly after 2 p.m. and before 8 p.m. Partly sunny skies turn partly cloudy with a high around 71 and low near 52. West winds of 8-15 mph with gusts up to 26 mph followed by west winds of 6-10 mph at night.
Thursday
A 30% chance of showers, mainly after 2 p.m. and before 8 p.m. Partly sunny skies turn partly cloudy, with a high near 65 and low around 47. West winds of 9-11 mph with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Friday
Mostly sunny skies turn partly cloudy, with a high near 67 and low around 48.
Saturday
A 30% chance of showers after 2 a.m. Mostly sunny skies turn mostly cloudy with a high near 69 and low around 52.
More: How many tornadoes hit Kentucky? What we know as storm surveys continue
Reporter Leo Bertucci contributed. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky to face more storms after recent tornadoes, heavy rain and winds