PADUCAH, Ky. (AP) - 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, but several people have posted pictures and video of damage on social media.
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.
The Kentucky State Police said a tornado touched down in West Paducah, Ky. on Thursday morning. They said five square miles of Western McCracken County were impacted by the tornado, including Mt. Zion Pre-School Center at 9701 Blandville Raod. Forty students were at the pre-school but no children or instructors were injured. The building was damaged.
There is only one confirmed non-life threatening injury due to the tornado, according to KSP.
State transportation officials are asking motorists to avoid traveling in some areas of western Kentucky due to the severe weather.
A statement from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spokesman Keith Todd says motorists should avoid traveling 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 reports 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.
PHOTOS: Severe weather in Kentucky and Indiana
Todd says motorists should avoid US 62 and KY 286 to allow emergency responders to work in the area unimpeded.
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 American Red Cross is prepared to establish shelter to provide help to displaced families impacted by the severe weather, KSP said.
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