Alert archive / Kentucky / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2017

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 125, NWS Paducah, KY

May 20, 2017Christian County, Todd County, Kentucky

NWS Paducah, KY issued this severe thunderstorm warning at May 20, 2017, 3:12 PM CDT for Christian County, Todd County, Kentucky. It was in force for 48 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
May 20, 2017, 3:12 PM CDT (20:12 UTC)
Expired
May 20, 2017, 4:00 PM CDT
In force
48 min
Issued by
NWS Paducah, KY
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
1.0 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Christian County, KY, Todd County, KY

The radar

The Ft Campbell radar (KHPX), 15 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:11 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Nashville Metro, TN (KBNA), launched 12:00Z, 8.2 hours before the alert went out and 105 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Nashville Metro, TN at 12:00Z on 2017-05-20Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 268 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Nashville Metro, TN at 12:00Z on 2017-05-20The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 23 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
268 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-127 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1494 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
25 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
23 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
18 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Paducah, KY wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at May 20, 1:48 PM CDT, 1 hour 24 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 20, 1:48 PM CDT, 1 hour 24 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Paducah KY
148 PM CDT Sat May 20 2017

.SHORT TERM...(Tonight through Monday night)
Issued at 147 PM CDT Sat May 20 2017

We see Low pressure on the IA/NE border, with a trailing cold
front southward to the Red River valley, separating cooler/drier
air with 40s/50s dew points behind it, from the warm/moist air
ahead of it/across the mid Mississippi river valley, where dew
points in the mid-upr 60s are commonplace. The models still take
this front eastward and across our area tonight, with latest
modeling of fropa into our west sometime from 03-06Z, to departing
our east sometime from 15-18Z. Pcpn chances will effectively end
with, or shortly after, fropa.

The best threat of svr, slgt risk per swody1, will be across our
far east late this pm, during peak heating. So far/so good, as
the existing convection looks to be remaining just below svr
limits. Better wind fields will shift eastward as the front
approaches, but we'll likely be out of the peak heating window by
then.

Pleasant change is on the way after fropa, with temps cooling back
into the 70s and 50s to finish the weekend and begin the early
work week.

.LONG TERM...(Tuesday through Saturday)
Issued at 147 PM CDT Sat May 20 2017

Confidence in the long term portion of the forecast is fair owing to
minor differences in model forecasts of synoptic scale features.

An upper level low over the Upper Midwest is forecast to track into
southeastern Canada through early next week. Interestingly, a piece
of energy wrapping around this low early in the week is forecast to
result in the development of another upper low near or south of Lake
Michigan by mid week. With the approach of this low and the passage
of a weak surface front, the chance of showers and thunderstorms
will return Tuesday into Tuesday night.

Moisture and energy wrapping around the upper low will be enough to
keep a chance for showers into Wednesday and Wednesday night across
much of the area. A small chance may even linger into Thursday over
far eastern portions of the area depending on how quickly the low
departs. A return to mainly dry weather is anticipated by Friday and
next Saturday as an upper level ridge builds east from the Plains.

After highs forecast in the lower to mid 70s on Tuesday, cooler
readings in the 60s are anticipated on Wednesday with northwesterly
winds on the back side of the low.  A slow warming trend will ensue
Thursday into Saturday with highs forecast to reach the 80 degree
mark by Saturday.

&&

.AVIATION...
Issued at 147 PM CDT Sat May 20 2017

As long as convective chances are nearby, restricted CIGS/VSBYS,
primarily MVFR, are possible. This will be most likely at KOWB,
where an active line of showers/storms is threatening. Otherwise
anticipate VFR bases and vsbys, until fropa later tonight, with a
09z (KCGI) to roughly 13-14Z (KOWB) passage forecast. Additional
MVFR bases may accompany the fropa, as well as shifting winds to
the northwest.

&&

.PAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IL...None.
MO...None.
IN...None.
KY...None.

&&
Hazardous weather outlook, May 20, 4:39 AM CDT, 10 hours 33 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Paducah KY
439 AM CDT Sat May 20 2017

ILZ075>078-080>094-INZ081-082-085>088-KYZ001>022-MOZ076-086-087-
100-107>112-114-210945-
Jefferson-Wayne IL-Edwards-Wabash-Perry IL-Franklin-Hamilton-
White-Jackson-Williamson-Saline-Gallatin-Union-Johnson-Pope-
Hardin-Alexander-Pulaski-Massac-Gibson-Pike-Posey-Vanderburgh-
Warrick-Spencer-Fulton-Hickman-Carlisle-Ballard-McCracken-Graves-
Livingston-Marshall-Calloway-Crittenden-Lyon-Trigg-Caldwell-
Union KY-Webster-Hopkins-Christian-Henderson-Daviess-McLean-
Muhlenberg-Todd-Perry MO-Bollinger-Cape Girardeau-Wayne MO-Carter-
Ripley-Butler-Stoddard-Scott-Mississippi-New Madrid-
439 AM CDT Sat May 20 2017

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern
Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast
Missouri.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Numerous thunderstorms are expected today and early tonight, and
isolated thunderstorms may reach severe levels. The primary
hazards will be damaging winds and large hail. Locally heavy rain
will accompany some storms, with the possibility of flooding in a
few locations.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday

There is a small chance of thunderstorms Tuesday and Tuesday
night. The primary concern with these storms is lightning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be requested today and early tonight.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 20, 1:44 PM CDT, 1 hour 28 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
144 PM CDT SAT MAY 20 2017

INZ082-087-088-201900-
Warrick IN-Spencer IN-Pike IN-
144 PM CDT SAT MAY 20 2017

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR WARRICK...NORTHERN SPENCER AND
SOUTHEASTERN PIKE COUNTIES UNTIL 200 PM CDT/300 PM EDT/...

At 143 PM CDT/243 PM EDT/, Doppler radar was tracking a strong
thunderstorm over Folsomville, or 7 miles northeast of Boonville,
moving northeast at 45 mph.

Half inch hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this
storm.

Locations impacted include...
Boonville, Chandler, Santa Claus, Dale, Lynnville, Folsomville,
Ferdinand, Chrisney, Tennyson, Gentryville and Spurgeon.

LAT...LON 3801 8680 3800 8720 3805 8746 3820 8733
      3820 8732 3822 8732 3851 8707 3821 8707
      3821 8679 3814 8680 3812 8679 3812 8681
      3809 8677
TIME...MOT...LOC 1843Z 234DEG 45KT 3810 8715
Special weather statement, May 20, 2:12 PM CDT, 1 hour before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
212 PM CDT SAT MAY 20 2017

KYZ016-201945-
Hopkins KY-
212 PM CDT SAT MAY 20 2017

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR HOPKINS COUNTY UNTIL 245 PM
CDT...

At 211 PM CDT, trained weather spotters reported a strong
thunderstorm over Earlington, producing dime sized hail, moving
northeast at 40 mph.

Dime size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Madisonville, Dawson Springs, Earlington, Nortonville, Mortons Gap,
Olney, White Plains, Hanson, St. Charles, Nebo and Slaughters.

LAT...LON 3731 8734 3731 8738 3726 8739 3719 8731
      3717 8732 3713 8737 3713 8749 3710 8752
      3716 8770 3721 8774 3720 8777 3721 8776
      3724 8780 3732 8780 3731 8784 3734 8784
      3749 8750 3757 8737 3743 8735 3739 8730
TIME...MOT...LOC 1911Z 223DEG 37KT 3725 8754
Special weather statement, May 20, 2:26 PM CDT, 46 minutes before
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Special weather statement, May 20, 2:38 PM CDT, 34 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
238 PM CDT SAT MAY 20 2017

KYZ020-202000-
McLean KY-
238 PM CDT SAT MAY 20 2017

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR MCLEAN COUNTY UNTIL 300 PM CDT...

At 238 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Calhoun, moving northeast at 50 mph.

Nickel size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Calhoun, Livermore, Beech Grove, Sacramento and Island.

LAT...LON 3747 8711 3748 8713 3746 8711 3742 8710
      3741 8717 3738 8722 3740 8733 3743 8735
      3749 8736 3752 8735 3758 8738 3760 8748
      3765 8750 3767 8747 3767 8742 3768 8740
      3757 8714 3756 8704
TIME...MOT...LOC 1938Z 205DEG 49KT 3756 8733
Special weather statement, May 20, 2:47 PM CDT, 25 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
247 PM CDT SAT MAY 20 2017

INZ088-202015-
Spencer IN-
247 PM CDT SAT MAY 20 2017

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SPENCER COUNTY UNTIL 315 PM
CDT...

At 247 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Santa Claus, or 13 miles northeast of Rockport, moving northeast
at 45 mph.

Nickel size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Rockport, Santa Claus, Dale, Grandview, Eureka, Chrisney and
Gentryville.

LAT...LON 3800 8677 3801 8680 3794 8692 3791 8702
      3781 8706 3778 8710 3779 8713 3784 8716
      3787 8727 3793 8727 3802 8715 3806 8715
      3805 8709 3812 8707 3812 8702 3820 8702
      3821 8679 3820 8679 3812 8681 3810 8677
TIME...MOT...LOC 1947Z 237DEG 27KT 3803 8689
Special weather statement, May 20, 2:58 PM CDT, 14 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
258 PM CDT SAT MAY 20 2017

KYZ019-202030-
Daviess KY-
258 PM CDT SAT MAY 20 2017

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR DAVIESS COUNTY UNTIL 330 PM
CDT...

At 257 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Masonville, or near Owensboro, moving northeast at 45 mph.

Nickel size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Owensboro, Rockport, Whitesville, Masonville, Stanley, Knottsville,
St. Joseph and Moseleyville.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

&&

LAT...LON 3763 8695 3756 8704 3768 8741 3773 8739
      3778 8727 3782 8732 3790 8730 3784 8716
      3778 8711 3780 8707 3790 8704 3793 8698
      3790 8699 3790 8691 3784 8691 3784 8686
      3779 8682 3774 8682 3771 8686 3767 8682
TIME...MOT...LOC 1957Z 237DEG 26KT 3766 8715

The office that day

Everything else NWS Paducah, KY issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 19, 9:41 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementPAHTrigg49 min
May 20, 12:10 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementPAHWebster65 min
May 20, 1:21 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementPAHTrigg39 min
May 20, 2:12 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementPAHHopkins33 min
May 20, 2:26 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementPAHChristian49 min
May 20, 2:38 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementPAHMcLean22 min
May 20, 2:58 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementPAHDaviess32 min
May 20, 6:20 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementPAHFranklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Union40 min
May 20, 6:39 AM CDTFlash Flood WarningPAHJackson, Perry3 hr
May 19, 7:09 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPAHButler, Carter, Ripley36 min
May 19, 7:43 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPAHButler, Carter, Wayne32 min
May 20, 4:27 AM CDTFlash Flood WarningPAHBollinger3 hr

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Kentucky, 2017Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2017

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.