Alert archive / Kentucky / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 31, NWS Wilmington, OH
NWS Wilmington, OH issued this tornado warning at Jul 21, 2026, 4:43 PM EDT for Lewis County, Kentucky. It was in force for 32 min. 3 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Jul 21, 2026, 4:43 PM EDT (20:43 UTC)
- Expired
- Jul 21, 2026, 5:15 PM EDT
- In force
- 32 min
- Issued by
- NWS Wilmington, OH
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Radar indicated
- Hail
- 0.0 in
County Lewis County, KY
The radar
The Cincinnati radar (KILN), 108 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:47 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.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 21, 4:45 PM EDT | TSTM WND DMG | 4 E Vanceburg, KY | Several trees had large branches broken and at least 1 large tree was knocked down by AA Highway between Vanceburg and Garrison. |
| Jul 21, 4:54 PM EDT | TSTM WND DMG | 9 E Vanceburg, KY | Several large trees down on Bill Chain Rd. |
| Jul 21, 5:00 PM EDT | TSTM WND DMG | 10 E Vanceburg, KY | Large tree fell onto residence. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this tornado warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.
Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.
The watch it was issued in
The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.
| Issued | Product | Office | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 21, 1:13 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Watch | SPC | 10 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Cncnati-Daytn, OH (KILN), launched 12:00Z, 8.7 hours before the alert went out and 108 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 956 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -55 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 883 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 47 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 172 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 149 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.9
- Supercell composite
- 5.9
The text
As transmitted.
068
WFUS51 KILN 212043
TORILN
KYC135-212115-
/O.NEW.KILN.TO.W.0031.260721T2043Z-260721T2115Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
443 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026
The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
East central Lewis County in northeastern Kentucky...
* Until 515 PM EDT.
* At 443 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Vanceburg, moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.
* Locations impacted include...
Rexton and Garrison.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
To report severe weather, go to our website at weather.gov/iln and
submit your report via social media, when you can do so safely.
&&
LAT...LON 3859 8330 3863 8325 3863 8323 3862 8321
3862 8315 3863 8314 3863 8307 3862 8308
3859 8307 3858 8309 3855 8310 3853 8312
3854 8314 3853 8314
TIME...MOT...LOC 2043Z 286DEG 26KT 3860 8324
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
$$
Clark1 follow-up statement
219
WWUS51 KILN 212111
SVSILN
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
511 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026
KYC135-212120-
/O.EXP.KILN.TO.W.0031.000000T0000Z-260721T2115Z/
Lewis KY-
511 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR EAST CENTRAL LEWIS COUNTY WILL EXPIRE AT
515 PM EDT...
The tornado threat has diminished and the Tornado Warning has been
cancelled. However, damaging winds remain possible and a Severe
Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect for the area.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for
northeastern Kentucky...and south central Ohio.
Please report previous tornadoes, wind damage or hail to the National
Weather Service by going to our website at weather.gov/iln and
submitting your report via social media.
&&
LAT...LON 3859 8330 3863 8325 3863 8323 3862 8321
3862 8315 3863 8314 3863 8307 3862 8308
3859 8307 3858 8309 3855 8310 3853 8312
3854 8314 3853 8314
TIME...MOT...LOC 2110Z 286DEG 26KT 3855 8301
$$
ClarkWhat forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this tornado warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Wilmington, OH wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at Jul 21, 1:54 PM EDT, 2 hours 49 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Key Message 1) Thunderstorms are expected through early evening, with severe storms possible, as well as potential for flooding. Key Message 2) Drier and cooler conditions expected through the rest of the week.
Area forecast discussion, Jul 21, 1:54 PM EDT, 2 hours 49 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Wilmington OH 154 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026 .WHAT HAS CHANGED... Flood Watch issued for this afternoon and evening across our southeast. && .KEY MESSAGES... Key Message 1) Thunderstorms are expected through early evening, with severe storms possible, as well as potential for flooding. Key Message 2) Drier and cooler conditions expected through the rest of the week. && .DISCUSSION... Key Message 1) First round of storms have generally pushed through the region, with increasing coverage of storms especially in the Tri State and central Ohio areas at this time. This round has much with greater potential for strong/severe storms largely through 22-00z. Keeping an eye on singular/discrete cells and potential for rotation/a tornado or 2 is possible. Damaging winds remain the main threat though. Flood watch was expanded just slightly north as PW values at/just above 2" are yielding very efficient heavy rain in the thunderstorms this morning. While overall storms should be progressive, repeated storms over the same area has prompted the slightly expanded Flood Watch. Regional atmosphere able to destabilize following morning convection ahead of the main shortwave trough over the Great Lakes, with mesoanalysis indicating the potential for SB CAPES recovering to 3000 J/Kg. With the main frontal boundary stretching from NW Ohio into north Central Indiana, the severe threat is diminishing for the far NW quadrant of our CWA. Best chance for convective development/severe storms will be along and ahead of the pre frontal trough - essentially along/south of I70, with the greatest potential in areas near/south of the Ohio River and south central/central Ohio. The main threat with the 50-60kts of bulk shear will be damaging winds, and with 0-1km shear is 20-25kts in this area, a tornado or 2 can't be ruled out. The main threat for discrete/rotating storms will be in the early part of the storm event, largely before 21z, with the potential for a QLCS continuing through the region - exiting by 00z. Key Message 2) High pressure will build into the region behind the front for mid week. Calmer/drier/cooler weather is expected into the late week. Temperatures will then begin to slowly moderate toward more seasonable values as we head into the weekend. && .AVIATION /18Z TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/... In anticipation of additional convective development, with remaining uncertainty for especially KDAY/KCMH/KLCK, have tweaked potential timing of the thunderstorms slightly earlier, with TEMPO thunderstorms largely from 18-22z, though isolated thunderstorms between 22-00z didn't warrant a tempo or prob at this time. Gusty winds in excess of 40 knots and very heavy rainfall will be possible with thunderstorms through 22-00z, and as the frontal boundary sinks through the area between 21-02z, winds will shift to NW and gust to near 25kts and then diminish shortly after FROPA. Drier air moving in behind the front will also lead to a decreasing cloud trend overnight into Wednesday. Expecting possible MVFR to even IFR at KLUK. OUTLOOK...No significant weather expected. && .ILN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... OH...Flood Watch until midnight EDT tonight for OHZ073-074-077>082-088. KY...Flood Watch until midnight EDT tonight for KYZ089>100. IN...None. && DISCUSSION...JDR AVIATION...JDR
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 21, 11:39 AM EDT, 5 hours 4 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Wilmington OH 1139 AM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026 INZ050-058-059-066-073>075-080-OHZ026-034-035-042>046-051>056- 060>065-070>072-221545- Wayne-Fayette-Union-Franklin-Ripley-Dearborn-Ohio-Switzerland-Hardin- Mercer-Auglaize-Darke-Shelby-Logan-Delaware-Miami-Champaign-Clark- Madison-Licking-Preble-Montgomery-Greene-Pickaway-Fairfield-Butler- Warren-Clinton- 1139 AM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for east central Indiana, southeast Indiana, central Ohio, southwest Ohio and west central Ohio. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Occasional thunderstorms are expected into this evening. Some severe storms will be possible, especially this afternoon into evening. Damaging wind will be the primary threat. Large hail and an isolated tornado will also be possible. In addition, some of the storms will be capable of producing very heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed. KYZ089>100-OHZ073-074-077>082-088-221545- Carroll-Gallatin-Boone-Kenton-Campbell-Owen-Grant-Pendleton-Bracken- Robertson-Mason-Lewis-Ross-Hocking-Hamilton-Clermont-Brown-Highland- Adams-Pike-Scioto- 1139 AM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026 ...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Kentucky, northern Kentucky, central Ohio, south central Ohio and southwest Ohio. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flood Watch. Occasional thunderstorms are expected into this evening. Some severe storms will be possible, especially this afternoon into evening. Damaging wind will be the primary threat. Large hail and an isolated tornado will also be possible. In addition, some of the storms will be capable of producing very heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed.
In the hours before
Local storm report, Jul 21, 4:05 PM EDT, 38 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
405 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0322 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 S Hamersville 38.88N 83.98W
07/21/2026 Brown OH Public
Multiple trees down. Structural damage to
outbuildings.
&&Special weather statement, Jul 21, 4:05 PM EDT, 38 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
405 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026
OHZ079-212030-
Brown OH-
405 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN BROWN
COUNTY THROUGH 430 PM EDT...
At 405 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Higginsport,
moving east at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Georgetown, Decatur, Russellville, Hamersville, Higginsport, Redoak,
Feesburg, and Lake Waynoka.
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a sturdy building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for
northern Kentucky...and south central and southwestern Ohio.
To report hazardous weather conditions, go to our website at
weather.gov/iln and submit your report via social media, when you can
do so safely.
&&
LAT...LON 3877 8392 3878 8394 3879 8398 3878 8401
3878 8403 3891 8400 3894 8368 3875 8370
TIME...MOT...LOC 2005Z 259DEG 30KT 3880 8396
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
HatzosLocal storm report, Jul 21, 4:09 PM EDT, 34 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
409 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0254 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 3 NNE New Richmond 38.99N 84.26W
07/21/2026 Clermont OH Amateur Radio
Numerous trees into several homes on Wilson
Dunham Hill Road.
&&Special weather statement, Jul 21, 4:10 PM EDT, 33 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
410 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026
OHZ055-056-065-212045-
Licking OH-Fairfield OH-Franklin OH-
410 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN
FRANKLIN...FAIRFIELD AND SOUTHERN LICKING COUNTIES THROUGH 445 PM
EDT...
At 410 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Baltimore,
moving east at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 45 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Columbus, Lancaster, Reynoldsburg, Pickerington, Heath, Pataskala,
Canal Winchester, Baltimore, Buckeye Lake, Hebron, Bremen,
Millersport, Pleasantville, Harbor Hills, Fairfield Beach, Thornport,
Etna, Royalton, Lithopolis, and Thurston.
This includes I-70 in Ohio between mile markers 111 and 142, and near
mile marker 144.
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a sturdy building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for
central Ohio.
To report hazardous weather conditions, go to our website at
weather.gov/iln and submit your report via social media, when you can
do so safely.
&&
LAT...LON 3995 8220 3995 8223 3991 8223 3993 8246
3984 8247 3983 8240 3975 8240 3974 8237
3971 8237 3969 8283 3999 8281 4004 8219
TIME...MOT...LOC 2010Z 255DEG 38KT 3981 8268
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...45 MPH
ClarkLocal storm report, Jul 21, 4:28 PM EDT, 15 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
428 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0319 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 6 ESE Sabina 39.46N 83.52W
07/21/2026 Fayette OH Trained Spotter
Small branches scattered about in different
directions.
&&Local storm report, Jul 21, 4:29 PM EDT, 14 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
429 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0317 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 5 SW Washington Court H 39.49N 83.52W
07/21/2026 Fayette OH Trained Spotter
Large maple split.
&&The office that day
Everything else NWS Wilmington, OH issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 21, 4:17 AM EDT | Flood Watch | ILN | Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant and 6 more | 14 hr |
| Jul 21, 11:03 AM EDT | Special Weather Statement | ILN | Boone, Campbell, Kenton | 42 min |
| Jul 21, 2:25 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILN | Boone | 50 min |
| Jul 21, 2:39 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | ILN | Carroll | 36 min |
| Jul 21, 2:41 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILN | Campbell | 49 min |
| Jul 21, 2:50 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILN | Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Owen | 40 min |
| Jul 21, 3:01 PM EDT | Tornado Warning | ILN | Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Owen | 44 min |
| Jul 21, 3:33 PM EDT | Areal Flood Advisory | ILN | Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Owen | 3 hr |
| Jul 21, 3:34 PM EDT | Tornado Warning | ILN | Grant, Owen, Pendleton | 41 min |
| Jul 21, 4:04 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | ILN | Grant, Owen | 44 min |
| Jul 21, 4:14 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILN | Lewis | 46 min |
| Jul 21, 4:42 PM EDT | Areal Flood Advisory | ILN | Lewis | 19 min |
| Jul 21, 4:55 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILN | Lewis | 43 min |
| Jul 21, 5:01 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | ILN | Lewis | 63 min |
| Jul 21, 5:14 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | ILN | Lewis | 31 min |
Nearby
Tornado Warnings in Kentucky, 2026Every tornado warning in 2026Tornadoes in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.