Thunderstorms likely to affect Easter celebrations

If you are in Kentucky, your Easter celebrations could be impacted by thunderstorms this weekend and early next week.

The National Weather Service predicted showers and thunderstorms with lightning, hail and strong winds, starting from Sunday afternoon onwards.

“Strong to severe storms are possible late Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon,” the NWS said. 

“The best chance for severe storms Monday night will be across southern Indiana, where damaging winds, large hail, spin-up tornadoes, and localised flooding are possible. Confidence in location and timing of strong storms on Tuesday is lower, but damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes are all possible.”

Areas lying north of Interstate 64 are likely to experience strong thunderstorms with the possibility of large hail and lightning on Sunday and Monday, with a slight risk across the entire region on Tuesday. The weather outlook encompasses regions from south-central to northwestern parts of the state, with Eastern Kentucky also under watch.

WKYT Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey said that not everyone will encounter rain throughout the day. He advises against cancelling plans but encourages having backup options.

“Not everybody’s going to see rain. If you’re outside the rain, 75 degrees,” he said. “Just gotta pick and choose when the Easter bunny hops through your yard.”

“Don’t cancel anything at all,” Bailey said. “Just have a backup plan.”

The highest risk of severe weather is expected late Monday and Tuesday, when people may witness winds, large hail and tornadoes, particularly in southern Indiana. After the storms pass, temperatures are expected to drop significantly, with highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s possible by Wednesday.

Residents are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and prepare for potential adverse conditions.