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National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office

Paducah, KY

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Today's Quad State Outlook - What the colors indicate

THUNDERSTORMS

NONE - No thunderstorms expected LOW - Thunderstorms are forecast for that day or night, however they are expected to be scattered or isolated in nature (not everyone will experience a thunderstorm), generally non severe thunderstorms expected MODERATE - Thunderstorms are likely and a a few may be severe.  Or if the Storm Prediction Center has us outlooked in a slight risk of severe weather HIGH - Thunderstorms are expected and the Storm Prediction Center has us outlooked as a moderate or high risk of severe weather

HAIL

NONE - No threat for hail LOW - Thunderstorms are expected to be isolated in nature with some small hail  possible. Or if the Storm Prediction Center has us outlooked in a slight risk of severe weather where there may be isolated hail MODERATE -  Thunderstorms with some hail expected. Storm Prediction Center has us outlooked in a slight risk when hail is a threat HIGH - When the forecasters feel that hail is a big threat or when the Storm Prediction Center has us outlooked with a moderate or high risk where hail is mentioned as a threat

STRONG WINDS

NONE - Winds less than 20 mph expected LOW - Winds expected to reach 20-30 mph (including gusts) MODERATE - 30-50 mph winds expected (including gusts) HIGH - potential for damaging winds or a moderate or high risk from the storm prediction center

HEAVY RAIN

NONE - No rain forecast, drizzle or a light rain event LOW - Low threat for heavy rainfall MODERATE - Locally heavy rain or widespread moderate rain HIGH - Flood watch or heavy rain in isolated storms (July type thunderstorm with very heavy rain)

LIGHTNING

NONE - No thunderstorms expected LOW - Some lightning, isolated, slight chance of thunderstorms MODERATE - Thunderstorms are likely HIGH - Severe weather is expected

TORNADOES

NONE - No threat LOW - Slight risk (not necessarily the same definition as the Storm Prediction Center, i.e. if there is a boundary in the area) MODERATE - Moderate risk as defined by the Storm Prediction Center with tornadoes mentioned HIGH - High risk as defined by the Storm Prediction Center with tornadoes a big threat.

Note: These levels were developed locally for the lower Ohio Valley Region.
They may be adjusted in the future.