KENTUCKY — Severe weather is set to return to the Midwest and Ohio Valley on Thursday, March 26, as a developing system brings increasing concerns for strong to potentially dangerous storms across the region.
Forecast data highlights a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) centered across parts of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, where conditions appear favorable for organized severe thunderstorms.
Storms Expected To Ramp Up By Mid-Afternoon
The severe weather threat is expected to begin around 3 PM Thursday, with storms developing and intensifying through the afternoon and continuing into the late evening hours, potentially lasting until midnight or later.
This timing places much of the risk during a period when:
- Daytime heating is still active
- Atmospheric instability is near its peak
- Storms can quickly strengthen
Main Threats Include Large Hail And Damaging Winds
The primary hazards with this system include:
- Very large hail, capable of causing significant damage
- Damaging wind gusts, which may lead to power outages and tree damage
The risk zone stretches from:
- Central and southern Illinois
- Across Indiana
- Into Ohio
- And parts of northern Kentucky
Cities such as Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Louisville are all within or near the core risk area.
Tornado Risk Also In The Forecast
In addition to hail and wind, a few tornadoes are possible, particularly if storms remain more discrete before organizing into a line…