Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Seek Shelter Now in Bell, Harlan Counties

BELL AND HARLAN COUNTIES, KY – IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in JACKSON KY until 12:30 AM EDT on September 22. Residents in southwestern Harlan County and east central Bell County are advised to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building immediately.

At 11:58 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Cubage, approximately 12 miles east of Middlesboro, moving east at 25 mph. This storm is producing 60 mph wind gusts and penny-size hail, according to radar indications. Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, which may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. This severe thunderstorm is expected to remain over mainly rural areas within the affected counties.