Rain ramping up for the weekend; 3 to 6 inches possible across western Kentucky

The National Weather Service in Paducah has upgraded the amount of rain expected, and issued a hydrologic outlook for the weekend.

A large slow-moving storm system is expected to bring widespread 2 to 4 inch amounts of rainfall, with locally higher totals up to 6 inches possible from Friday night through Sunday. 

Rainfall amounts will increase from an average of two inches in southern Illinois, to 4 inches or more along the Kentucky/Tennessee line. 

Rainfall this heavy may lead to flooding impacts, first in the usual low-lying flood-prone areas.

Flash flooding in streams and creeks is an immediate concern, but the amount and longevity of rain on already saturated ground will also cause longer-term runoff issues including flooding along larger rivers.

Saturday's drenching rains will occur in warmer air in the 50s, but behind it will be several days of colder than average temperatures. Wind chills in the single digits are a possibility early next week.