National Weather Service Expands Severe Thunderstorm Watch Across Midwest States

The National Weather Service issued and expanded severe thunderstorm watches covering large portions of the Midwest. Watch 506, effective until 8 p.m. EDT, includes counties in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, while Watch 508 was extended to add ten counties in southeast Missouri, two in southern Illinois, and Fulton County in western Kentucky.

The watches flag conditions favorable for damaging wind gusts, large hail, frequent cloud‑to‑ground lightning, heavy rain and the possibility of flash flooding. Residents in the affected areas are urged to monitor forecasts, stay indoors during warnings, and avoid travel if storms become hazardous.