The Latest: Storm debris blocks some roads in Kentucky

PADUCAH, Ky. — The Latest on severe weather in the South (all times local):

11:30 am

State transportation officials are asking motorists to avoid travelling in some areas of western Kentucky due to damage from a reported tornado.

A statement from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spokesman Keith Todd says motorists should avoid travelling in western McCracken County and southeastern Ballard County for at least the remainder of Thursday.

Todd says storm debris has blocked areas along U.S. 62 from Kentucky 305 to Kentucky 286 in McCracken County. Todd said there are report of pieces of grain bins, barns, homes and other debris in the roadway and some of it can’t be cleared until utility crews arrive to cut power. He said there are additional areas of downed trees and power lines reported in the West Paducah area.

Todd says motorists should avoid US 62 and KY 286 to allow emergency responders to work in the area unimpeded.

Earlier, officials at the National Weather Service in Paducah tweeted that a tornado blew past their office.

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11 am

Weather officials in Kentucky say a tornado has blown past their office.

The National Weather Service in Paducah tweeted Thursday morning, “TORNADO JUST MISSED OUR OFFICE IN WEST PADUCAH. TAKE SHELTER NOW IF YOU’RE IN PADUCAH!!!!” The tweet was posted at 9:30 a.m., Central Daylight Time.

There was no immediate word on any damage.

Weather forecasters say numerous severe storms are possible beginning Thursday afternoon in the Tennessee Valley region and as far south as the northern Birmingham area.

Officials said schools are closing early in north Alabama because of the severe weather possibility.

Forecasters say winds up to 60 mph are possible along with isolated tornadoes and hail.

The state is on the southern end of a storm system that pummeled the central United States.

The Associated Press

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