Alert archive / Kentucky / Flash Flood Warnings in 2023

Flash Flood Warning 82, NWS Paducah, KY

August 12, 2023Calloway County, Kentucky

NWS Paducah, KY issued this flash flood warning at Aug 12, 2023, 9:49 AM CDT for Calloway County, Kentucky. It was in force for 3 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Aug 12, 2023, 9:49 AM CDT (14:49 UTC)
Expired
Aug 12, 2023, 12:58 PM CDT
In force
3 hr
Issued by
NWS Paducah, KY
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

County Calloway County, KY

The radar

The Paducah radar (KPAH), 67 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 14:50 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, 2.8 hours before the alert went out and 159 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 2023-08-12Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 2540 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 2023-08-12The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 120 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 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
2540 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-67 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
811 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
27 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
120 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
100 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
3.3

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this flash flood 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 flash flood warning went out at Aug 12, 6:18 AM CDT, 3 hours 31 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Aug 12, 6:18 AM CDT, 3 hours 31 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Paducah KY
618 AM CDT Sat Aug 12 2023

.UPDATE...
Updated aviation section for 12z taf issuance

&&

.SHORT TERM...(Today through Monday night)
Issued at 345 AM CDT Sat Aug 12 2023

The main concern in the short term is the potential for scattered
showers and thunderstorms through the period, including the chance
for strong/severe storms and locally heavy rainfall that could
lead to localized flash flooding, the latter in particular Sunday
night. Forecast confidence is lower than average given the nature
of the convective activity and the lack of agreement among the
forecast models.

Early this Saturday morning, shower and thunderstorm activity was
common from central Illinois back across northern Missouri. Given
the southeastward trajectory of this activity, it's likely to make
it into at least northern portions of the forecast area around
daybreak. Despite the still respectable low level instability for
this time of day, a rather strong 850-700 mb capping inversion
observed in mesoanalysis data and RAP13 forecast soundings may act
to weaken the activity somewhat as it progresses into the forecast
area. However, it's hard to say how quickly and to what degree
this will occur, so we remain vigilant to the potential for
strong/severe storms, particularly in/near the current Severe
Thunderstorm Watch area. Localized pockets of damaging wind gusts
would seem to be the greatest concern at this point.

The evolution of the remnants of the morning complex will have a
significant influence on how the rest of the day unfolds, and that
is far from certain at this point. Outflow from the morning
activity may assist in focusing new development along and south
of the boundary by afternoon, which would likely put the greatest
chance of afternoon activity over western Kentucky. Further west,
the cap may be too strong to initiate any new activity,
especially across southeast Missouri. However, I am not at all
confident as to how things will unfold as there are too may
uncertainties at this point that could effect a variety of
outcomes.

It does appear that much of tonight may largely turn out dry
before energy approaching from the west increases the potential
for showers and thunderstorms initially across southeast Missouri
Sunday morning, and then across the rest of the region by Sunday
afternoon and into Sunday night. By far the best chance of showers
and thunderstorms through the weekend appears to arrive Sunday
night as upper level energy combines with the approach of a cold
frontal boundary. While strong/severe storms will once again be
possible, the threat for flash flooding from locally heavy
rainfall will also be elevated, with much of the forecast area
outlooked in a slight risk in both the SPC/WPC Day 2 outlooks.

By Monday, remnant shower and thunderstorm activity from Sunday
night looks to gradually taper off through the morning. With the
cold frontal boundary still to make complete passage through the
area, the chance for additional activity cannot be ruled out by
afternoon. However, the degree to which that occurs will largely
be influenced by the amount of remnant sky cover and it's impact
on further destabilization later in the day. At this point, it
would appear the greatest potential for any renewed activity would
be across western Kentucky in the afternoon.

With all the uncertainty around convective potential, the
temperature forecast is just about as unclear through the weekend.
Depending on the degree of sunshine later today, some locations
may see heat index values approaching Heat Advisory criteria with
highs around 90 degrees and dew points well into the 70s. However,
that's a call best saved for the last minute given the lower
forecast confidence. Highs should trend down into the
middle/upper 80s on Sunday and then the lower/middle 80s by
Monday. Lows in the 70s are forecast the next couple of nights.

.LONG TERM...(Tuesday through Friday)
Issued at 345 AM CDT Sat Aug 12 2023

In the wake of Monday's frontal passage, high pressure is forecast
to build into the region from the Plains. This will result in a
much needed break from not only the recurrent intervals of storm
activity, but also the heat and humidity. In fact, highs are only
forecast to reach the middle to upper 70s on Tuesday before
rebounding back into the 80s later in the week. Lows through the
period should range through the 60s, with some upper 50s possible
Tuesday night. Much of the period should be dry, but some models
would suggest a brief chance Thursday into Thursday night with
another frontal passage. However, given the lack of model
agreement, the forecast in the long term remains dry at this
time.

&&

.AVIATION...
Issued at 618 AM CDT Sat Aug 12 2023

A line of thunderstorms over southern Illinois early this morning
will sink slowly south and east. All taf sites will have a mention
of thunder early this morning. There will also be some patchy mvfr
fog, with possibly brief ifr.

Some mvfr cigs will occur this morning, especially where
thunderstorms produce brief moderate to heavy rain. Otherwise, vfr
conditions are expected much of the day. Winds will be southwest at
5 to 10 kt.

Another round of convection is possible later today or tonight, but
the potential is too low to specifically mention in the tafs. Some
mvfr fog may form again overnight. Winds will be light.

&&

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

SHORT TERM...RJP
LONG TERM...RJP
AVIATION...MY
Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 12, 4:03 AM CDT, 5 hours 46 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Paducah KY
403 AM CDT Sat Aug 12 2023

ILZ075>078-080>094-INZ081-082-085>088-KYZ001>022-MOZ076-086-087-
100-107>112-114-131000-
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-
403 AM CDT Sat Aug 12 2023 /503 AM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023/

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

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms are forecast today. A few of the storms
may be strong to severe with large hail and damaging wind gusts
the main concerns.

Heat index values of 100 to 105 degrees are forecast this
afternoon.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday

Additional rounds of thunderstorms are expected Sunday and Sunday
night, and possibly lingering into Monday. Some of these storms
could be strong to severe, with damaging wind gusts and large hail
the main hazards.

Thunderstorms may produce heavy rain and localized flash flooding
issues late Sunday night into Monday morning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed over the weekend, particularly
late Sunday afternoon into Sunday night.

RJP/CW

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Aug 12, 8:23 AM CDT, 1 hour 26 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
823 AM CDT Sat Aug 12 2023

ILZ092-KYZ001>004-MOZ110>112-114-121400-
Alexander IL-Carlisle KY-Ballard KY-Fulton KY-Hickman KY-Stoddard MO-
New Madrid MO-Scott MO-Mississippi MO-
823 AM CDT Sat Aug 12 2023

...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of southeastern
Alexander, western Fulton, Carlisle, northern Hickman, southern
Ballard, Mississippi, southeastern Scott, northeastern New Madrid and
southeastern Stoddard Counties through 900 AM CDT...

At 823 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Cairo to near Miner to near Morehouse.
Movement was southeast at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Strong thunderstorms will be near...
  Wickliffe, Wyatt and Anniston around 835 AM CDT.
  East Prairie around 840 AM CDT.

Other locations in the path of these storms include Farrenburg,
Matthews, Bardwell, New Madrid, Lilbourn, Big Oak Tree State Park,
Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site, Towosahgy State Historic Site,
Howardville and Dorena.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 57 in Illinois between Mile Markers 1 and 4.
 Interstate 57 in Missouri between Mile Markers 1 and 21.
 Interstate 55 between Mile Markers 40 and 67.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3688 8980 3689 8954 3708 8919 3707 8917
      3709 8916 3699 8883 3678 8882 3650 8922
      3650 8965
TIME...MOT...LOC 1323Z 328DEG 22KT 3699 8921 3684 8950 3685 8974

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

RJP
Special weather statement, Aug 12, 8:52 AM CDT, 57 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
852 AM CDT Sat Aug 12 2023

KYZ016-017-021-022-121430-
Muhlenberg KY-Todd KY-Christian KY-Hopkins KY-
852 AM CDT Sat Aug 12 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southern Muhlenberg,
northern Christian, northern Todd and southeastern Hopkins Counties
through 930 AM CDT...

At 852 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Nortonville, or 10 miles east of Dawson Springs, moving southeast at
35 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

This strong thunderstorm will be near...
  Nortonville around 855 AM CDT.
  Crofton around 900 AM CDT.

Other locations in the path of this storm include Weir.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 69 in Kentucky between Mile Markers 93 and 107.
 Western Kentucky Parkway between Mile Markers 39 and 42.
 Pennyrile Parkway between Mile Markers 18 and 34.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3711 8691 3709 8690 3707 8695 3706 8705
      3704 8706 3696 8737 3702 8771 3714 8768
      3716 8770 3722 8767 3724 8692 3723 8692
      3721 8690 3719 8691 3718 8689 3718 8692
      3714 8693 3711 8689
TIME...MOT...LOC 1352Z 293DEG 32KT 3715 8751

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

SP
Local storm report, Aug 12, 9:28 AM CDT, 21 minutes before
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Local storm report, Aug 12, 9:32 AM CDT, 17 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Aug 12, 9:34 AM CDT, 15 minutes before
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Local storm report, Aug 12, 9:36 AM CDT, 13 minutes before
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The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 12, 7:45 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPAHBallard30 min
Aug 12, 8:05 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementPAHLivingston, Lyon25 min
Aug 12, 8:13 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementPAHMcCracken32 min
Aug 12, 8:23 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementPAHCarlisle, Fulton, Hickman37 min
Aug 12, 8:32 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPAHFulton, Hickman43 min
Aug 12, 8:52 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementPAHMuhlenberg38 min
Aug 12, 8:58 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPAHFulton, Graves, Hickman47 min
Aug 12, 9:18 AM CDTTornado WarningPAHCalloway, Fulton, Graves, Hickman19 min
Aug 12, 9:34 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementPAHCalloway41 min
Aug 12, 5:20 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementPAHFranklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Perry40 min
Aug 12, 6:02 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementPAHEdwards, Franklin, Hamilton, Jackson, Perry, Saline and 3 more58 min
Aug 12, 7:40 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementPAHScott35 min

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in Kentucky, 2023Every flash flood warning in 2023

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.