Kentucky storms: Lexington, all of Eastern Kentucky under a tornado watch

Christopher Leach
·3 min read

A potentially severe storm is expected to hit parts of central and Eastern Kentucky Monday, leaving much of the state under a tornado watch or a severe thunderstorm warning, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS has issued a tornado watch for the area until at least 6 p.m. eastern time. The watch covers all of Eastern Kentucky and spans as far southwest as Allen County. It also goes as far north as Pendleton and Grant counties. All of Central Kentucky is included in the tornado watch.

Damaging winds, tornadoes and large hail are the main hazards expected from the storm, according to the NWS. The farthest southeastern counties of Kentucky are at the most risk from the storm, with the threat lessening more towards Central Kentucky.

The storm is expected to hit in the later hours of the morning and last for most of the afternoon, the NWS said.

“Folks in Central and Eastern Kentucky need to be alert today, as a strong storm system will be moving through the area starting at 11 a.m.,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a tweet. “Damaging winds, large hail and flash flooding are expected, with the possibility of isolated tornadoes.”

In addition to the tornado watch, Bourbon, Fayette, Harrison and Scott counties were placed under a severe thunderstorm warning until at least 12:15 p.m. eastern time. The NWS said a severe thunderstorm with 60 MPH wind gusts and half dollar-sized hail was spotted near Georgetown moving east at 11:43 a.m. Hail damage to vehicles was expected along with wind damage to trees, roofs and siding.

Later in the afternoon, the NWS issued another severe thunderstorm warning for Clark, Bourbon and southeastern Fayette counties. The warning was set to expire at 1:45 p.m.

The NWS said a thunderstorm featuring 60 MPH wind gusts was located near Cadentown moving east at 35 MPH. Roof, siding and tree damage was expected from the storm.

This is a developing story and may be updated.