'Hurricane-force' gusts possible Sunday in Louisville. What to know about weather forecast
The National Weather Service of Louisville is predicting severe weather Sunday, which could impact Jack Harlow's first Gazebo Festival and Memorial Day weekend activities.
Multiple waves of storms are expected in the Louisville area, first in the early afternoon on Sunday and then later on Sunday night.
Storms that could include heavy rain, lighting, thunder, and 40 mph winds could hit the downtown waterfront area between about 12 and 2 p.m., said Brian Schoettmer, forecaster for the National Weather Service's Louisville office. A second wave is expected around midnight.
Wind speeds could top 75 mph, or "hurricane force," upon occasion, Schoettmer said. He emphasized that people in mobile homes or who are camping should be especially careful on Sunday night, when the weather is expected to be most severe.
"All severe hazards are on the table," said Schoettmer. Threats include high winds, golf-ball-sized hail, tornadoes and flooding, which is most likely in the southern part of the state.
The storms could last until early Monday morning. After a cloudy start on Memorial Day, it will be sunny later in the day with the temperature hitting 79, according to the National Weather Service's Louisville office.
Organized severe weather is possible tomorrow and again tomorrow night. Damaging wind gusts, possibly up to hurricane force in some spots, will be the main hazard, but we cannot rule out tornadoes and large hail. A flash flooding threat also exists, especially along South KY. pic.twitter.com/0kxK2wn1Ta
— NWS Louisville (@NWSLouisville) May 25, 2024
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Where to report power outages and downed lines
To report a power outage, you can text "OUTAGE" to 4LGEKU (454358) or you can report by phone to LG&E by calling 502-589-1444 or 1-800-331-7370.
To report an outage to KU/ODP, call 1-800-981-0600.
You can also report power outages through your online account.
Customers should assume that all downed power lines are "live," or energized, and stay away from them. You should also avoid contact with tree limbs or branches touching a power line.
To report a downed power line, call LG&E at 1-800-331-7370 and dial 1-1-3 for quicker service. You can call KU/ODP's residential service at 1-800-981-0600 and dial 1-1-2 for quicker service.
How to report downed traffic signals or tree limbs blocking a road
If you encounter a downed traffic signal or a limb blocking a roadway, contact Metro311 by dialing 311. You can also report issues online here or by downloading the Metro311 app in your phone's app store.
Reporter Marina Johnson contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Severe weather and high winds will likely hit Louisville on Sunday.
