Buckle up, Louisville! Spring’s unpredictable weather is coming through with full force this week, and it’s bringing some serious storms your way. Flooding, high winds, and even tornadoes are on the horizon, so now’s the time to pay attention and prepare. Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe and make it through what looks to be a wild few days.
What’s Happening Right Now?
As of today, April 2, Louisville’s skies are mostly cloudy with temperatures around 79°F (26°C). It’s warm, but don’t let that fool you—things are about to take a turn. Wind gusts are expected to pick up, reaching up to 40 mph later today, and a thunderstorm is likely to develop by late morning. Tonight is when things really get intense, with severe thunderstorms rolling in. The storms will come with a higher risk of tornadoes, so be on high alert.
The Forecast: Storms, Rain, and More Storms
Here’s what you can expect over the next few days:
Wednesday, April 2:
It starts off nice enough with a mix of clouds and sun, but by afternoon, the weather will start to shift. Thunderstorms will develop later today, and it’s likely that these storms will become severe. You can expect heavy rain, strong winds, and a tornado watch in place for much of the area. The high will hit 78°F (25.6°C) with a low of 62°F (16.7°C). It’s a good day to stay indoors if you can—especially after the storms hit.
Thursday, April 3:
Thursday will bring cooler temperatures, with highs around 67°F (19.4°C) and a low of 53°F (11.7°C). The storms will continue, and we’re looking at heavy rain and more chances for thunderstorms. Flash flooding could be a big concern, so if you’re out and about, avoid any flooded streets. The winds will still be strong, and tornadoes are still a possibility.
Friday, April 4:
The rain and thunderstorms stick around on Friday, with high winds continuing through the day. Expect more of the same: flash flooding, gusty winds, and the risk of tornadoes. The high will be 68°F (20°C), and the low will be 65°F (18.3°C). If you live in a flood-prone area, now’s the time to make sure you’re prepared for rising water levels. And if you’re driving, be careful—heavy rain can make the roads dangerous quickly.
Saturday, April 5:
Saturday looks like it’s going to be a wet and stormy day, with heavy rain and thunderstorms once again. The high will reach 71°F (21.7°C), and the low will be 47°F (8.3°C). There’s a real risk for flooding, and hail could be in the mix too, along with more wind and possible tornadoes. Make sure you’re staying updated throughout the day, as conditions could change rapidly.
Sunday, April 6:
After all the chaos, Sunday will bring a welcome drop in temperature, with highs only reaching 50°F (10°C) and lows around 39°F (4°C). The rain should ease off a bit, but the lingering flooding will be the biggest issue. Some roads could still be impassable, so if you don’t have to go anywhere, it’s better to stay home and let the weather settle.
Monday, April 7:
Things will start to improve on Monday, with partly sunny skies and a high of 57°F (13.9°C). But keep in mind that the ground will still be saturated from all the rain, and some flooding could remain a concern. It’ll be a nice break from the storms, but the cleanup from the past few days will likely still be underway.
Tuesday, April 8:
Tuesday will be colder, with highs only around 46°F (8°C) and a low of 32°F (0°C). The day will be mostly cloudy, and while the weather should be quieter, it’s still going to feel a little unsettled as floodwaters start to recede. If you’ve been affected by flooding, it’s a good day to check on your property and begin any cleanup that’s necessary.
How to Stay Safe This Week
With severe weather on the way, here are a few tips to help you stay safe:
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Keep an Eye on the Weather
The weather can change fast, so make sure you’re keeping up with the latest updates. Whether it’s from local news, weather apps, or the National Weather Service, stay informed about any alerts and warnings. And if there’s a tornado warning or flood watch in your area, take it seriously. -
Be Ready to Evacuate
In case things get really bad and you’re told to evacuate, be prepared. Have an emergency kit with essentials—like water, food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents—ready to go. You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute if you need to leave in a hurry. -
Don’t Drive Through Flooded Roads
Remember, “turn around, don’t drown.” Never drive through flooded streets, no matter how shallow the water seems. Floodwaters can quickly become deeper and more dangerous than they appear. If you see a flooded area, find a different route. -
Secure Your Property
Strong winds could be a problem, so make sure outdoor furniture, tools, or anything else that could fly away in the wind is secured. If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, move anything valuable to higher ground. It’s a good idea to check your gutters too—clogged gutters can make flooding worse. -
Check on Your Neighbors
If you have elderly neighbors, or anyone who might need assistance, reach out and make sure they’re ready for the storm. It’s always a good idea to check on loved ones, especially during severe weather, and offer help if you can.
Looking Ahead: A Better Forecast
While this week’s weather is looking intense, things should calm down by mid-April. By then, Louisville can expect milder, more typical spring conditions—cooler temperatures with occasional showers and a lot less severe weather. But even after these storms pass, always stay alert. Spring weather can be unpredictable, so keep your guard up.
