Due to the risk of severe weather this afternoon and evening, Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) will activate the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) at Level IV today.
At this level additional KYEM personnel are present providing additional situational awareness and available to offer support to local emergency management officials if requested.
As this storm system moves across the state this afternoon and evening, the most significant threat will be high winds with speeds up to 70 mph (or higher), heavy rain and hail. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
"Everyone needs to stay informed of local and state weather conditions and forecasts. Stay tuned to your local broadcast media and weather alert radios,” said KYEM Director Michael Dossett. “During this type of dangerous weather the best advice is to avoid unnecessary travel and stay home or indoors.”
With the ground already saturated, additional rain coupled with high winds may lead to trees being uprooted causing downed power lines and outages. Heavy rain will likely cause flash flooding in some areas, as well.
At the SEOC, KYEM personnel, National Weather Service officials and emergency service providers continue to monitor the severe weather conditions that threaten the Commonwealth.
“Due to the nature of today’s forecast, citizens should be prepared for power outages,” Dossett added. ”Take time before storms arrive to check batteries in flashlights and radios. Review your personal emergency plan. Should you encounter storm damage and need assistance, please call 911 or your local emergency management office.”
(story provided by Kentucky Emergency Management)
