HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – As afternoon temperatures on Friday approach near level record highs, having temperatures this warm this time of year means severe weather is possible. The National Weather Service of Paducah says between December – February, if a high of at least 70 occurs, there’s a 50% chance of seeing severe weather within the next two days in the Tri-State.

The Storm Prediction Center currently has most of the Tri-State under a level 3 out of 5 enhanced risk. Currently, parts of Wayne and White counties in Illinois, parts of Union and Webster counties in Kentucky, and parts of Posey County in Indiana are under a level 4 out of 5 moderate risk. While all severe weather factors are possible, the bigger threats for tonight will be for damaging winds and a significant tornado, which is a tornado rated as an EF2-EF5 (113-318MPH winds).

The storms will begin their scattered development stage ahead of a cold front around 8PM west of the Wabash river, with a line of storm approaching the Evansville area around 10PM-11PM. Model guidance continues to indicate as this line moves to the east, another line will develop before sunrise, around 5AM. This line could carry a severe weather threat, too, but should be more limited than the first line.

Below is a map that updates automatically when the Storm Prediction Center updates their outlook:

How to prepare for severe weather

  • If you have a weather radio, make sure it has fresh batteries. For instruction on how to program your weather radio, click here.
  • If you don’t have our weather app installed:
    • For Android users, click here.
    • For iOS users, click here.
  • Anything rechargeable (battery packs or phone batteries) should be charged in advance.
  • Have clothes and closed-toe shoes ready nearby in case of an emergency.
  • Have a flashlight with fresh batteries nearby in case of power outage.
  • Have a first aid kit ready nearby in case of an emergency.
  • Have a safe space planned, and prepared away from windows with as many walls around you as possible.
  • If you live in a two-story home, stay on the ground floor, if possible. If you live in an apartment above ground level, ask neighbors below if you can take shelter with them.
  • If you live in a mobile home or trailer, make plans to stay with friends or family and take pets with you.
  • Make sure children are aware that you may need to get up and to a safe space during the night.
  • Bring pets indoors or to an enclosed space if possible.
  • During severe weather, we will continue to give updates. You can watch for updates in our live stream, here.
  • If you happen to be on the road, our radio partners 99.5 WKDQ / 105.3 WJLT / 92.5 WBKR / 103.1 WGBF / 106.1 KISS / 98.1 WRAY will live stream our coverage over their air.
  • Have car keys and identification beside you or your bed as you sleep, and have a spare key in your shelter area.

Shelter locations

The following locations are offering temporary storm shelters for the public:

  • Indiana
    • Greater Vision Church at 2893 S.R. 57 South (beside Quest Trucking) in Washington
    • Grandview United Methodist Church at 424 W Main Street in Grandview
    • The Yankeetown Volunteer Fire Department in Newburgh
    • Trinity United Methodist Church, 124 S Fifth Street, Rockport
    • St. Martin Catholic Church, 52 S Church Street in Chrisney
    • Santa Claus United Methodist Church, 351 North Holiday Boulevard, Santa Claus
    • St. Nicholas Catholic Church – 180 North Holiday Boulevard, Santa Claus
    • Mary Help of Christians, 6827 County Road 675 North, Mariah Hill
    • Saint Joseph Catholic Churches – 8 East Maple Street, Dale
    • St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Mary Help of Christians and Saint Joseph Catholic Churches will need notice if you plan to stay at one of their locations. Text 812-686-0405 if you plan to stay at one of them.

We will add more locations to this list as we learn more.