News Summary
Severe storms in Lexington have resulted in significant power outages and road closures, particularly on Newtown Pike. Kentucky Utilities is working to restore electricity to around 400 affected customers. As recovery efforts continue, residents are warned of impending severe weather forecasted for next week, including potential tornadoes and damaging winds. Governor Andy Beshear urges locals to stay prepared and keep weather alerts activated.
Lexington, Kentucky – Severe storms have caused significant power outages and road closures across Lexington, particularly affecting Newtown Pike, which is currently closed due to storm damage. Kentucky Utilities is addressing the issues, working to replace downed power lines and restore electricity to the approximately 400 customers impacted by the outages.
On Thursday, storms in the region led to damage of power poles and electric lines along Newtown Pike, prompting immediate action from utility workers. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with expectations that power will be fully restored by 10 a.m. on Friday. Most roads in the area will remain closed during this restoration work, including Newtown Pike and Citation Boulevard. Lexington Police have provided detour routes for drivers to navigate around the closures.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of Thursday’s storms, the National Weather Service is warning residents that more severe weather is anticipated next week. The state expects damaging winds, hail, heavy rain, and even tornadoes to affect most parts of Kentucky on Tuesday evening. The storms are predicted to move eastward, beginning in western Kentucky around 2 p.m. before impacting central and eastern regions later in the day.
A tornado watch has already been issued for all of eastern Kentucky, which includes areas recently affected by deadly tornado activity last weekend. This watch will remain in effect until 8 p.m. on Tuesday. The initial wave of storms is forecasted to begin around 11 a.m., with the possibility of damaging wind gusts and brief tornadic activity, followed by a more severe storm system anticipated by 2 p.m. in western Kentucky.
Central Kentucky will likely experience the worse effects of the storm around 6 p.m., while eastern Kentucky can expect to see severe weather around 8 p.m. Counties like Laurel, Pulaski, and Russell, which were heavily impacted by the recent tornadoes, are at an enhanced risk for severe storms during this upcoming weather event.
A significant portion of Central and Eastern Kentucky is under a flood watch for the afternoon and evening hours. The risk for tornado activity is notably high, with many counties having a 15% chance or greater of experiencing tornado conditions. Regions that stretch through the Interstate 64 corridor, including Fayette, Jessamine, Madison, Mercer, and Woodford counties, are under an enhanced risk zone.
Governor Andy Beshear has urged residents to take the impending weather seriously by ensuring their phones are charged and keeping weather alerts activated. He also advised the public to have a plan in place for sheltering in case of severe weather developments. Notably, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued updates indicating that some weather radios may not function as expected; therefore, residents are encouraged to seek alternative alert systems for timely warnings.
Kentucky is still recovering from devastating storms that struck the previous weekend, resulting in at least 19 fatalities from tornadoes in Russell County and a more powerful system in Laurel County. As communities begin to rebuild, they now face additional threats from impending severe weather patterns.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Storms and Tornadoes Cause Tragedy in North Dakota and Minnesota
Severe Weather and Heat Wave Impact U.S. Communities
Severe Weather Threatens Kentucky with Tornado Warnings and Flood Risks
Severe Weather Threatens Kentucky with Tornadoes and Flooding
Severe Flooding in San Antonio Leaves at Least 11 Dead
University of Kentucky Establishes Strike Teams for Disaster Response
Cleanup Efforts in Kentucky Following Deadly Tornadoes
Severe Weather Prompts Governor’s Emergency Measures Across Texas
Springfield, Kentucky Tornado Causes Fatalities and Injuries
EF-2 Tornado Strikes Washington County, Causing Fatalities and Injuries
Additional Resources
- WKYT
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- Kentucky.com
- Google Search: Severe Storms Kentucky
- LEX18
- Google Scholar: Storm Damage Kentucky
- Fox 56 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather Alerts
- WIS TV
- Google News: Kentucky Weather News
