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Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Louisville area under a slight risk for severe weather days before Kentucky Derby. What to know
Showers and thunderstorms expected to pass through the Louisville area April 29 could bring severe impacts, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Louisville. "Pockets of damaging wind and hail" are the main concerns associated with the system, and heavy rains could fall in some areas by nighttime, officials with NWS Louisville said in a statement April 28. The storms are set to move through sometime between 1-10 p.m., just prior to the arrival of a cold front in Louisville. Louisville, Lexington and Frankfort are among the cities included in the Storm Prediction Center's "slight risk" area for severe weather, the second-highest of five levels. Strong winds could damage homes and trees, lightning strikes may threaten outdoor activities, and heavy rains might lead to localized flooding and ponding on roads, NWS Louisville officials said. "There could be a hail threat as well, but the tornado threat is pretty low for this round of severe weather we are expecting Tuesday," NWS Louisville meteorologist C.J. Padgett said. "Of course, with lightning and thunderstorms, lightning is always a concern for any outdoor activities especially." No severe weather is in the April 30 forecast, though some lingering showers and thunderstorms could lead to minor flooding issues if there is localized heavy rainfall. Severe threats could resume May 1, though Padgett said the weather service is not yet confident about how strong the storm impacts might be. "With Thursday, we're looking at another round of showers and storms expected to develop out of our west ahead of another cold front," Padgett said. Thurby crowds at Churchill Downs may face showers and thunderstorms at the racetrack. There is also a chance of rain May 2 during the Kentucky Oaks, so it might be a good idea to carry a rain jacket or poncho for both days, Padgett said. Louisville will also see some warm temperatures this week, with a high of around 84 April 29, and highs near 80 April 30 and May 1, according to NWS Louisville's 7-day forecast. The weekend will be slightly cooler, with high temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s anticipated. Sunny skies will make for pleasant conditions for outdoor activities, Padgett said. Here's a closer look at Louisville's forecast for the following three days. April 29 Day: There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm from 2-5 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms likely after 5 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 11-14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southwest wind 5-7 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. April 30 Day: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m., then a chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Light and variable wind becoming south around 6 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11 p.m., then a slight chance of showers between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. May 1 Day: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 60%. More: Will it rain on the Kentucky Derby? Here's Louisville's latest weather forecast as of Monday Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@ or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville weather: Slight risk for severe storms Tuesday
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Kentucky flooding: Residents brace as rivers begin to crest around the commonwealth
This story has been made free as a public service. Please consider subscribing to support local journalism. Rain that has battered Kentucky over the past several days will begin to move east Sunday, but residents will now have to contend with the threat of rising floodwaters as rivers and streams across the commonwealth continue to swell. Some communities have already ordered evacuations for residents ahead of river crests anticipated to begin Sunday, with some rivers expected to exceed their flood stages by upward of 15 feet, according to estimates from the National Weather Service in Louisville. While flooding has already impacted some areas of Louisville, Mayor Craig Greenberg said the Ohio River is now expected to crest at more than 35 feet at the upper portion of the McAlpine Locks and Dam near the Falls of the Ohio by mid-week, rivaling levels last seen in 2018. The lower portion of the dam is expected to crest at 68 feet, which could pose threats to west and southwest Louisville, officials said. Here's the latest information from around Louisville and Kentucky: In a Facebook post Sunday morning, Gov. Andy Beshear said there were 539 road closures in Kentucky due to flooding, mudslides and a rockslide. "Traffic is being rerouted in communities like Dawson Springs, and we've had 250 additional barricades delivered to Elizabethtown from Chicago," Beshear said. "Kentuckians and communities have been affected across the state, and teams are working around the clock to support them." Beshear also advised residents to avoid flooded roadways and move to higher ground if necessary. As rivers begin to crest in several areas across Kentucky, meteorologists from the National Weather Service in Louisville warn that freezing temperatures will follow for the Louisville metro and several other counties after the system that dumped inches of rain on the region for days finally moves out of the commonwealth. A flood warning is in effect for the Louisville metro area until 11 a.m. Sunday. A freeze watch has also been issued, set to go into effect Tuesday from 1-10 a.m. According to the latest forecast, nightly temperatures will begin to dip into the mid-30s Sunday night, but will fall into the upper 20s Monday evening. Readings are expected to return to the lower 30s Tuesday night before returning to somewhat seasonal levels Wednesday. Some Kentucky rivers have already begun to crest, but many are expected to rise to their highest levels starting Monday. In Louisville, the Ohio River is expected to crest mid-week with significant impacts on riverside residences and businesses expected. NWS Louisville anticipates flooding will persist into the second half of April, according to a Sunday report. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky flooding updates: Rivers around KY begin to crest
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Tornado damage is taking longer to confirm in some areas as the National Weather Service deals with staff shortages
Staffing shortages at the National Weather Service's Louisville office are reportedly impacting its tornado response. The Kentucky meteorologists said this week that crews likely wouldn't be able to survey damage and confirm tornadoes for several days as storms continue to hammer the region. 'Due to lack of available staffing and an active prolonged threat of severe weather and hydro concerns the next several days, NWS Louisville will likely not be able to send staff out to do damage surveys until after the weather ... towards the end of the weekend,' Brian Neudorff told WAVE. Later, National Weather Service-Louisville meteorologist Michael Kochasic told WHAS 11 that staff members were on spring break and that some had retired. 'We are asking for people to send up photos that we can use to catalog the damage and match up later in our surveys,' he said. A request for comment from the Louisville office was not immediately returned to The Independent. Concerns about staff shortages come amid widespread outrage following recent layoffs conducted by the Department of Government Efficiency. The cuts hit hundreds of weather forecasters and other federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employees. Following the first round, scientists said the result could make America less safe and devastate the critical science that is necessary. 'The now-confirmed and rumored additional cuts to come at NOAA/NWS are spectacularly short-sighted, and ultimately will deal a major self-inflicted wound to the public safety of Americans and the resiliency of the American economy to weather and climate-related disasters,' UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain wrote. Former administrator Dr. Richard Spinrad previously told The Independent that the agency was already understaffed before the cuts. Staffing shortages have also resulted in the suspension of the service's weather balloon observations. The forecasting practice helps scientists gather critical data on temperature, wind speed, humidity and other factors used to help predict severe storms. 'Weather balloon launches are vital for forecasting. They are like a detailed snapshot of what the atmosphere is doing and getting that data back in real-time. Taking away data means less accurate forecasts,' wrote Dakota News Now meteorologist Tyler Roney. 'This is a mess.' Tornado damage surveys are another important tool. Surveys help to reconstruct the life cycle of a tornado, including where it occurred, when and where it initially touched down, its path length, its width and its magnitude. Damage surveys are critically important to informing U.S. tornado climatology, Ohio State University tornado researcher Jana Houser told Scientific American on Friday. She warned that without the surveys forecasters could get a false sense that there are fewer tornadoes or get inaccurate ratings for the damage that's inflicted. 'If we stop having the ability to go out and actually do damage surveys consistently, that is going to throw off our whole understanding of what's happening with tornadoes in time,' she said. Even with immediate tornado damage shifting east this weekend, the threat in Kentucky continues. Tornado season typically peaks in May and ends in June, and forecasters say most action will happen outside of Tornado Alley this year, which is a region where there is high potential for tornado development that stretches from Texas through Oklahoma, and into Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska. "We will continue to work with local emergency management officials and others to review all of the damage reports received," Kochasic said. "Thank you all for your patience as we work to evaluate all of the storm damage from last night's storm."
The Independent
04-04-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
Tornado damage is taking longer to confirm in some areas as the National Weather Service deals with staff shortages
Staffing shortages at the National Weather Service's Louisville office are reportedly impacting its tornado response. The Kentucky meteorologists said this week that crews likely wouldn't be able to survey damage and confirm tornadoes for several days as storms continue to hammer the region. 'Due to lack of available staffing and an active prolonged threat of severe weather and hydro concerns the next several days, NWS Louisville will likely not be able to send staff out to do damage surveys until after the weather ... towards the end of the weekend,' Brian Neudorff told WAVE. Later, NWS Louisville meteorologist Michael Kochasic told WHAS 11 that staff members were on spring break and that some had retired. 'We are asking for people to send up photos that we can use to catalog the damage and match up later in our surveys,' he said. A request for comment from the Louisville office was not immediately returned to The Independent. Concerns about staff shortages come amid widespread outrage following recent layoffs conducted by the Department of Government Efficiency. The cuts hit hundreds of weather forecasters and other federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employees. Following the first round, scientists said the result could make America less safe and devastate the critical science that is necessary to do so. 'The now-confirmed and rumored additional cuts to come at NOAA/NWS are spectacularly short-sighted, and ultimately will deal a major self-inflicted wound to the public safety of Americans and the resiliency of the American economy to weather and climate-related disasters,' UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain wrote. Former administrator Dr. Richard Spinrad previously told The Independent that the agency was already understaffed before the cuts. Staffing shortages have also resulted in the suspension of National Weather Service weather balloon observations. The forecasting practice helps scientists gather critical data on temperature, wind speed, humidity, and other factors used to help predict severe storms and continuously difficult-to-forecast tornadoes. 'Weather balloon launches are vital for forecasting. They are like a detailed snapshot of what the atmosphere is doing and getting that data back in real-time. Taking away data means less accurate forecasts,' wrote Dakota News Now meteorologist Tyler Roney. 'This is a mess.' Tornado damage surveys are another important tool. Surveys help to reconstruct the life cycle of a tornado, including where it occurred, when and where it initially touched down, its path length, its width, and its magnitude. Damage surveys are critically important to informing U.S. tornado climatology, Ohio State University tornado researcher Jana Houser told Scientific American on Friday. She warned that without the surveys forecasters could get a false sense that there are fewer tornadoes or get inaccurate ratings for the damage that's inflicted. 'If we stop having the ability to go out and actually do damage surveys consistently, that is going to throw off our whole understanding of what's happening with tornadoes in time,' she said. Even with immediate tornado damage shifting east this weekend, the threat in Kentucky continues. Tornado season typically peaks in May and ends in June, and forecasters say most action will happen outside of Tornado Alley this year, which is a region where there is high potential for tornado development that stretches from Texas through Oklahoma, and into Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska. "We will continue to work with local emergency management officials and others to review all of the damage reports received," Kochasic said. "Thank you all for your patience as we work to evaluate all of the storm damage from last night's storm."
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
National Weather Service in Louisville confirms EF-1 tornadoes in Jefferson, Bullitt counties
At least two tornadoes touched down during a round of severe weather in the area Sunday night, the National Weather Service in Louisville confirmed following storm surveys Monday. Officials with the weather service determined an EF-1 tornado with wind speeds of up to 90 mph damaged trees and some buildings in Fairdale, NWS Louisville meteorologist CJ Padgett said. Surveyors in Fairdale were working to determine the distance the tornado traveled. "The main damage so far appears to be tree damage, and that's what we typically see with these weaker tornadoes, those EF-0s or EF-1s" Padgett said. Two survey crews were out reviewing storm damages in Jefferson, Bullitt, Spencer, Hardin, Nelson, Meade and Breckenridge counties in Kentucky. National Weather Service officials observed radar-indicated storm rotation Sunday night in south Louisville from Dixie Highway to roughly 15 miles away in Heritage Creek, but that does not necessarily mean the tornado was on the ground the entire time, Padgett said. The survey crew in Jefferson County was tasked with determining where storm damages occurred along the path. About two hours after releasing findings on the Fairdale tornado, a team of storm surveyors in Bullitt County confirmed EF-1 tornado damage from wind speeds of up to 105 mph, about four miles south of Shepherdsville. A photo taken by a member of the crew showed structural damage from a building impacted by the storm. Survey crews from NWS Louisville may be needed again later this week, as tornadoes and damaging winds are believed to be among the main threats Kentucky and southern Indiana residents may face Wednesday. "It's just a busy week of weather, with more severe storms possible," Padgett said. This story may update. Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@ or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville tornado: EF-1 damage in Jefferson County confirmed
