LEXINGTON, Ky. — Mayor Linda Gorton urged residents to exercise caution Tuesday due to a potentially dangerous weather system that could bring damaging winds, hail and localized flooding to the region.

"The city is prepared to assist residents in the event of strong storms, high winds, and hail," Gorton said in a statement. "It's possible that we will experience power outages, trees and limbs down in roadways, and traffic issues."

The National Weather Service has issued a Level 3-of-5 risk for numerous severe thunderstorms from the Lexington metro pointing northeast along Interstate 64, with all severe weather types possible including damaging straight-line winds, a few tornadoes and large hail. Forecasters said storms may occur during the evening rush hour, with the system expected to impact central Kentucky during the afternoon and evening hours.

Gorton said the city's Emergency Management team has coordinated with state officials and placed multiple divisions on standby. "We have already placed employees in our Streets and Roads, Water Quality, and Traffic Engineering divisions on call," she said. "They have been advised to check equipment and have vehicles prepared. It's all hands on deck."

The city's first responders have also conducted advance planning and are prepared to provide assistance as needed. The Kentucky State Emergency Operations Center will be active from noon to midnight Tuesday to coordinate state-level resources if necessary.

Residents should have a way to receive severe weather alerts and should stay weather-aware throughout the day, officials said.