FREEZE POSES A THREAT TO SENSITIVE PLANTS EARLY THIS WEEK

APRIL 5, 2025 -- What a start to April. Multiple rounds of severe storms and extreme weather have impacted Southern Illinois. The National Weather Service office in Paducah has confirmed at least SIX tornadoes in parts of Southern Illinois from the night of Wednesday, April 2. Additional tornadoes may be added as the National Weather continues to survey damage.

Rain will continue on Sunday, but it will be light. While the heavier rain will end, the flooding will go from the smaller streams to the bigger rivers and lakes in the region. The Ohio River is forecasted to be in major flood stage Shawneetown and Cairo. The Big Muddy River is also expected to rise to near major flooding stage by the middle of the week.

In addition to the flooding, COLD temperatures are forecasted early in the week. Morning temperatures will drop back into the lower 30s Monday morning, likely resulting in frost in many parts of Southern Illinois.

Then, on Tuesday morning light winds and clear skies will result in another cold morning. Temperatures across Southern Illinois are expected to drop into the upper 20s. A HARD FREEZE is even possible in areas north of Route 13. Once again, covering sensitive plants and flowers is a good idea.