Tornado Warning Issued for Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky Through 8:15 PM CDT

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Paducah KY has issued a Tornado Warning (NWS Alert Type Code: TOW) for portions of southern Illinois and western Kentucky. The warning is based on radar-indicated rotation within severe thunderstorms.

Affected Areas

The following regions are under the warning:

• Southern Illinois: Central Pulaski County, Northwestern Massac County, South central Johnson County, and East central Alexander County.
• Western Kentucky: Northern Ballard County and Northwestern McCracken County.

Specific locations in the path include Mounds, Karnak, Olmsted, New Grand Chain, and Joppa. This alert also covers Interstate 57 in Illinois between Mile Markers 2 and 13.

What You Should Do

TAKE COVER NOW! Residents in the warning area should move immediately to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Stay away from windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter to protect yourself from flying debris, which will be dangerous to those without shelter. Mobile homes may be damaged or destroyed.

Expected Conditions

At 7:36 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms capable of producing both tornadoes and extensive straight-line wind damage were located over Mounds (7 miles north of Cairo), moving northeast at 55 mph. Hazards include:

• Tornado: Radar-indicated rotation.
• Wind: Extensive straight-line wind damage likely.
• Hail: Maximum hail size up to 0.75 inches.
• Impacts: Likely damage to roofs, windows, vehicles, and trees.

Timeline

The Tornado Warning is effective immediately as of 7:36 PM CDT and is scheduled to expire at 8:15 PM CDT on March 15, 2026. Storms are expected to be near Karnak around 7:45 PM CDT.