NWS Warns of Hail, Damaging Winds, and Possible Tornadoes Monday in Parts of Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois

UPDATE: APRIL 1, 2024 6:15 AM

The National Weather Service has downgraded parts of the tri-state to a Slight Risk. The newest graphic states that the main weather threat will happen in southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois.

A frontal boundary just north of the area will be the focus for storm development this afternoon and tonight along with a line of storms possible that will start to move through the area from the west. Main severe threats are damaging winds, large hail, and a few tornadoes.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri.

DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

The chance for severe weather peaks overnight. Damaging winds will be the primary hazard, but tornadoes and large hail are also potential hazards. The greatest risk for severe weather is along and north of a line from Van Buren, Missouri, to Carmi, Illinois.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday

There is a chance of severe weather Tuesday, including damaging winds, tornadoes, and large hail. The greatest risk for severe weather Tuesday is in southwest Indiana and western Kentucky.

Outside of thunderstorms, strong wind gusts 30 to 40 mph are possible Tuesday through Wednesday.

Much colder air arrives for the mid to late week, which will bring the potential for frost and freezing temperatures. Thursday night offers the best chance of this occurrence.

FORECAST

Uggg! I'm over the severe weather! But I saw an interesting fact from Daviess County Emergency Management. They stated in a Facebook post last week:

Interesting fact for today-We get asked often why we "hype" weather events that may be on the lower end of the severe spectrum. SImple answer is weather changes all the time, as we already know. But the real reason is found in the below numbers:
Since 1995 (EF-3 Tornadoes)
-3 Were in a high risk event
-4 Were in a moderate risk event
-17 EF 3 Tornadoes were in a LOW risk event
To add, fatalities have increased 20% during overnight storms. So this is why our messaging is so strong anytime a TOR threat is near.
Just a fun fact.
Source: US National Weather Service Paducah Kentucky

Be Prepared - Have an Emergency Kit

Here's what ready.gov recommends having in a kit.

Additional Emergency Supplies

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

• Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
• Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher

• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children