Western Kentucky & Southern Indiana Could Be Hit with Downpours, High Winds, and Tornadoes this Week

Here in the tri-state area, we're pretty used to those intense gullywasher storms. Just last week, my daughter and I were out at the barn where we keep our horse, and out of nowhere, it started raining cats and dogs - and pigs, and sheep, and goats, and cows! I mean, it was really coming down. I thought it'd ease up after a bit, but nope, it just kept pouring for over an hour straight. After such a dry spell, though, I have to admit, it was kind of a refreshing change.

And wouldn't you know it, this week we might be dealing with more of the same, thanks to Hurricane Beryl making its way up from the Gulf of Mexico. Looks like we could be in for some serious flooding if it keeps up like this.

According to the National Weather Service,

Monday

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected Monday afternoon. Rain and thunderstorms will become more widespread as the remnants of Hurricane Beryl approach the region. Flash flooding is possible and a flood watch has been issued for parts of the area.

Tuesday 

Widespread moderate to heavy rain with embedded thunderstorms are forecast across most of southeast Missouri and southern Illinois Tuesday. Heavy rain and flash flooding will be possible. If enough instability can form over parts of western Kentucky and southwest Indiana severe thunderstorms with damaging wind and isolated tornadoes will be possible. These storms also may produce heavy rain that may lead to flash flooding.

Our friend Wayne Hart at Eyewitness News 25, posted this to Facebook.

The Tri-State will be under a MARGINAL to mainly SLIGHT (levels 1-2 of 5) threat for severe storms Tuesday. The remnants of "Beryl" will move thru our region Tuesday with the potential for brief tornadoes, especially in the 3pm to 8pm time frame in the SLIGHT (yellow) risk area. Isolated damaging winds will also be possible and heavy rain will be likely at times which may lead to some flash flooding (heaviest rain will fall west of I-69).

READ MORE: Twister Talk: 15 Tornado FAQs

Get Prepared

Because the storms could happen overnight, it's important to have multiple ways to receive alerts.

• NOAA Weather Radio
• Wireless Emergency Alerts (like your phone)
• Outdoor Sirens
• Internet Sites
• From Family and Friends
• Local TV and Radio (heyyyooo - download our app)

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