Severe weather forecast in Kentucky, Indiana

• The National Weather Service has issued warnings for tornadoes, hail, and wind gusts up to 80 mph.
• Thousands of residents are experiencing power outages as a result of the storms.
• Residents are advised to stay away from downed power lines and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.

Parts of Louisville fell under a tornado warning Sunday evening as a severe storm swept across the metro area, according to the National Weather Service.

Tornadoes, scattered hail, and wind gusts up to 80 miles per hour were possible in parts of Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, according to the agency, and a tornado watch is set to expire at 1 a.m. Monday. Thousands are without power, utilities reported.

As of 10:16 p.m., LG&E and KU reported nearly 20,000 customers without power, as severe weather and powerful winds swept over the utilities’ service area.

Early reports of outages were largely concentrated in Louisville’s South End and parts of east Jefferson County.

“Stay away from downed wires,” LG&E and KU advise. “Always assume any downed wire is an energized power line and call immediately.”

Outages can be reported by texting OUTAGE to 4LGEKU (454358), or by submitting reports via mobile app, online, or by phone. LG&E can be reached at 502-589-1444 or 800-331-7370, and KU/ODP at 800-981-0600.

As of 10 p.m., “a severe squall line capable of producing both tornadoes and extensive straight line wind damage was located over Fern Creek,” moving east at 45 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

Tornado warnings were issued for Shelbyville, Elk Creek and Taylorsville until 10:30 p.m., after previous issuance in south Jefferson County.

Warning sirens continued to sound in parts of Jefferson County as of 10:09 p.m.

As of 9:52 p.m., tornado warnings had expanded from Bullitt County into south Jefferson County, including Jeffersontown, West Buechel and Heritage Creek.

The National Weather Service also included Bardstown, Shepherdsville and Lebanon Junction in the warning.

Warning sirens were audible in parts of Louisville as of 9:50 p.m.

The National Weather Service announced a tornado warning for Mount Washington, Hillview and Brooks, along the Jefferson and Bullitt County border at 9:46 p.m., lasting until 10:15 p.m.

“Radar indicated a dangerous line of severe storms capable of destructive winds and tornadoes” moving toward Interstate 65 and the Louisville area, the National Weather Service reported as of 9:35 p.m.

The agency placed Elizabethtown, Vine Grove and Cecilia under a tornado warning until 10 p.m.

Additionally, much of southern Jefferson County was placed under a severe thunderstorm warning until 10 p.m.

Strong tornadoes possible in Louisville, parts of Kentucky

The watch comes as Kentucky and southern Indiana residents are under an enhanced risk of severe weather, the third-highest of five categories issued by the National Weather Service.

Earlier Sunday, the weather service also issued a greater than 10% chance of strong tornadoes (EF-2 or greater) for the Louisville metro area. Western Kentucky, as well as parts of central and northern Kentucky, are under the same threat.

“The bottom line is, be prepared for strong, gusty winds, isolated tornadoes tonight, and isolated hail and isolated flash flooding,” NWS Louisville meteorologist Tom Reaugh said in a conference call Sunday afternoon.

More: Severe storms, possible tornadoes could hit Louisville Sunday. Here’s what to know

Additionally, Louisville is under a 45% chance of severe straight-line winds 58 mph or greater, and a 15% chance of severe hail of at least 1 inch in diameter.

In Louisville, temperatures are expected to drop around 25 degrees Sunday night from a high of about 75. The quick shift from warm weather to cooler conditions is one of the ingredients causing the strong storms, NWS forecasters said.

Residents at risk of facing severe weather should have multiple ways to receive alerts if weather watches and warnings are issued late Sunday, National Weather Service officials said.

More: Tornado season in Kentucky is here. Here are 5 must-have items for your emergency kit

This story will be updated.