Severe Weather Alerts Issued for Kentucky and Tennessee This Week

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Multiple rounds of severe weather are expected across Kentucky and Tennessee on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, prompting a Code Red Alert. Forecasters predict storms to begin in the morning, with the main threat for severe weather occurring between noon and 10 p.m.

According to reports from FOX 17 News, there is a 10% risk of a strong tornado (EF2 or greater) within 25 miles of a given location. Storms are anticipated to remain scattered during the afternoon and evening before easing into early Wednesday morning. Weather conditions on Monday indicated a Level 2/5 risk for severe storms, with damaging winds and large hail being primary concerns.

London, Kentucky, site of a recent tragic EF-3 tornado, is currently under a Tornado Watch until 8 p.m. CT, along with areas in Arkansas and Tennessee. Nearly 60 million people across central and southern regions remain at risk as this storm system continues over an extended eight-day period of severe weather.

The National Weather Service advised that all forms of severe weather are possible on Tuesday, while a recent Tornado Watch was also issued for eastern Kentucky, portions of northeast Tennessee, and some areas in West Virginia. The severe storm threat includes strong gusts, large hail, and tornados.

As the storm system progresses from the Midwest into the Tennessee Valley, heightened caution is advised for residents still recovering from last week’s tornado impacts. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has cautioned the public about radio weather alert services being temporarily out of service.

FOX Weather Meteorologist stressed that residents could experience wind gusts up to 70 mph on Tuesday. Nashville particularly may face two rounds of storms in the late afternoon and evening, raising concerns for nighttime tornadoes.

Rainfall totals could range from 1 to 3 inches in parts of central and southern Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, which might complicate tornado recovery efforts in affected areas.

Warnings and alerts will continue throughout the day, and residents are encouraged to take safety precautions as severe weather looms.