Tornado Warning Issued for Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky Through 8:45 PM CDT

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a Tornado Warning effective immediately. The alert was triggered by radar-indicated rotation within severe thunderstorms capable of producing both tornadoes and extensive straight-line wind damage.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following regions:

• Southern Illinois: Massac County, Pope County, and Southeastern Johnson County.
• Western Kentucky: McCracken County, Western Livingston County, Northwestern Marshall County, and Eastern Ballard County.

Specific locations in the path of these storms include Paducah, Metropolis, Lone Oak, Brookport, Reidland, Golconda, Ledbetter, Burna, and Calvert City. The warning also encompasses Interstate 24 in Kentucky (between Mile Markers 1 and 24) and Interstate 24 in Illinois (between Mile Markers 20 and 38).

What You Should Do

TAKE COVER NOW! Residents in the warning area should move 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 immediately to protect yourself from flying debris.

Officials emphasize that tornadoes are extremely difficult to see and confirm at night. Do not wait to see or hear the tornado before taking action.

Expected Conditions

At 7:56 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Karnak to near Bardwell, moving northeast at 50 mph. Hazards include potential tornadoes and damaging winds. Expected impacts include dangerous flying debris, destruction of mobile homes, and damage to roofs, windows, vehicles, and trees. Radar has also indicated hail sizes up to .75 inches.

Timeline

The Tornado Warning is in effect until 8:45 PM CDT on Sunday, March 15, 2026.