Severe Weather Possible
May 17, 2026 / NWS
Key Message #1: Severe weather will be possible across portions of the area both this afternoon/evening (mainly for areas along and east of HWY-281 between 4-11PM) and again Monday afternoon (mainly for a few locations south and east of the Tri-Cities between 3-8PM).
Key Message #2: The strongest storms could be capable of producing large hail up to the size of baseballs with damaging thunderstorm wind gusts up to 70MPH. An isolated tornado may additionally be possible.
Key Message #3: Critical fire weather conditions are expected to be observed for a few places near and south of the state line. A Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 1-9PM today for counties south of Harlan and Franklin counties.