Louisville is under a tornado watch Sunday evening as a line of heavy rains and strong winds approaches the metro area, according to the National Weather Service.
Tornadoes, scattered hail, and wind gusts up to 80 miles per hour are possible in parts of Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, according to the agency. The tornado watch is set to expire at 1 a.m. Monday.
10:10 p.m.: ‘Severe squall line’ moving over Fern Creek
As of 10 p.m., “a severe squall line capable of producing both tornadoes and extensive straight line wind damage was located over Fern Creek,” moving east at 45 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.
Tornado warnings were issued for Shelbyville, Elk Creek and Taylorsville until 10:30 p.m., after previous issuance in south Jefferson County.
Warning sirens continued to sound in parts of Jefferson County as of 10:09 p.m.
10 p.m.: Sirens sound as tornado warning covers south Jefferson County
As of 9:52 p.m., tornado warnings had expanded from Bullitt County into south Jefferson County, including Jeffersontown, West Buechel and Heritage Creek.
The National Weather Service also included Bardstown, Shepherdsville and Lebanon Junction in the warning.
Warning sirens were audible in parts of Louisville as of 9:50 p.m.
9:50 p.m.: Tornado warning announced at Jefferson, Bullitt County line
The National Weather Service announced a tornado warning for Mount Washington, Hillview and Brooks, along the Jefferson and Bullitt County border at 9:46 p.m., lasting until 10:15 p.m.
9:45 p.m.: Severe weather approaching Louisville
“Radar indicated a dangerous line of severe storms capable of destructive winds and tornadoes” moving toward Interstate 65 and the Louisville area, the National Weather Service reported as of 9:35 p.m.
The agency placed Elizabethtown, Vine Grove and Cecilia under a tornado warning until 10 p.m.
Additionally, much of southern Jefferson County was placed under a severe thunderstorm warning until 10 p.m.
Strong tornadoes possible in Louisville, parts of Kentucky
The watch comes as Kentucky and southern Indiana residents are under an enhanced risk of severe weather, the third-highest of five categories issued by the National Weather Service.
Earlier Sunday, the weather service also issued a greater than 10% chance of strong tornadoes (EF-2 or greater) for the Louisville metro area. Western Kentucky, as well as parts of central and northern Kentucky, are under the same threat.
“The bottom line is, be prepared for strong, gusty winds, isolated tornadoes tonight, and isolated hail and isolated flash flooding,” NWS Louisville meteorologist Tom Reaugh said in a conference call Sunday afternoon.
More: Severe storms, possible tornadoes could hit Louisville Sunday. Here’s what to know
Additionally, Louisville is under a 45% chance of severe straight-line winds 58 mph or greater, and a 15% chance of severe hail of at least 1 inch in diameter.
In Louisville, temperatures are expected to drop around 25 degrees Sunday night from a high of about 75. The quick shift from warm weather to cooler conditions is one of the ingredients causing the strong storms, NWS forecasters said.
Residents at risk of facing severe weather should have multiple ways to receive alerts if weather watches and warnings are issued late Sunday, National Weather Service officials said.
More: Tornado season in Kentucky is here. Here are 5 must-have items for your emergency kit
This story will be updated.
