Visual Hazardous Weather Outlook Key

A description of "This Period is Clear" for a given time period indicates that none of the hazards listed in the Quad State Outlook are expected during that time frame.

Fog

LowSome fog, mainly in valleys and near rivers.
ElevatedLocally dense fog. Most areas experiencing fog, but only a few locations have visibilities less than one quarter of a mile.
HighDense Fog Advisory - Widespread fog with visibilities of a quarter mile or less

Hail

NoneNo hail expected.
LowSmall hail possible. Less than 1 inch in size.
ElevatedHail possible. 1 inch in size up to golf ball size possible.
HighHail possible. Larger than golf ball size hail expected.

Heat

LowHeat Index expected to range from 100 to 105
ElevatedHeat Advisory in effect. Heat Index expected to range from 105 to 110.
HighHeat Warning in effect. Heat Index expected to be at least 110 or if Heat Index values are expected to reach 105 for 4 or more days in a row.

Heavy Rain

NoneHeavy Rain not expected.
LowIsolated locations could receive some heavy rain. Not expected to be widespread.
ElevatedHeavy rain expected over part of the area. Localized flooding possible.
HighFlood or flash flood watch in effect. There is the Potential for heavy rain and flooding over large areas.

River Flooding

NoneNo river flooding expected.
LowMinor flooding - minimal or no property damage, but possibly some public threat or inconvenience.
ElevatedModerate Flooding - some inundation of structures and roads near stream. Some evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations is necessary.
HighMajor or Record Flooding - extensive inundation of structures and roads. Significant evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations. Flooding may equal or exceed the highest stage or discharge at a given site during the period of record keeping.

Strong Winds

NoneWinds less than 20 mph expected.
LowWinds of 20 to 30 mph expected, or a Lake Wind Advisory is in effect.
ElevatedWind Advisory. sustained winds of 30 mph and/or wind gusts to 45 mph expected. Weak branches may break and fall from trees.
HighHigh wind Warning. Wind gusts of 58 mph or higher expected. Downed trees and power lines expected.

Thunderstorm Winds

NoneThunderstorms expected...but wind gusts of less than 20 mph expected.
LowThunderstorms expected with most wind gusts below 58 mph.
ElevatedThunderstorms expected with some wind gusts greater than 58 mph.
HighThunderstorms expected with wind gusts above 58 mph and large areas of wind damage possible.

Thunderstorms

NoneNo thunderstorms expected
LowThunderstorms forecast for this time period. However, they are expected to be scattered or isolated in coverage. Non-severe thunderstorms expected.
ElevatedThunderstorms are likely and a few may be severe. Storm Prediction Center may or may not have us outlooked in a Slight Risk.
HighThunderstorms are expected and the Storm Prediction Center has us outlooked in a moderate or high risk of severe weather.

Tornadoes

NoneNo tornadoes
LowLow risk of tornadoes.
ElevatedModerate risk as defined by the Storm Prediction Center with tornadoes mentioned for our area.
HighHigh risk as defined by the Storm Prediction Center with tornadoes a big threat.


  • National Weather Service
  • Paducah, KY Weather Forecast Office
  • 8250 Kentucky Highway 3520
  • West Paducah, KY 42086-9762
  • 270-744-6440
  • Page Author: PAH Webmaster
  • Web Master's E-mail: w-pah.webmaster@noaa.gov
  • Page last modified: February 18th 2009 4:40 PM
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