Alert archive / Kentucky / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Warning 21, NWS Jackson, KY
NWS Jackson, KY issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Mar 16, 2026, 2:40 AM EDT for 7 counties in Kentucky. It was in force for 50 min. 1 report 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
- Mar 16, 2026, 2:40 AM EDT (06:40 UTC)
- Expired
- Mar 16, 2026, 3:30 AM EDT
- In force
- 50 min
- Issued by
- NWS Jackson, KY
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Hail
- 0.75 in
- Wind
- 60.0 mph
Counties Bell County, KY, Clay County, KY, Jackson County, KY, Knox County, KY, Laurel County, KY, Owsley County, KY, Whitley County, KY
The radar
The Jackson,KY radar (KJKL), 68 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 06:42 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 16, 2:50 AM EDT | TSTM WND DMG | 2 Wsw Indian Creek, KY | Tree down along Little Indian Creek Road and KY 6. Time estimated by radar. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
The watch it was issued in
The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.
| Issued | Product | Office | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 16, 12:41 AM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Watch | SPC | 6 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Cncnati-Daytn, OH (KILN), launched 00:00Z, 6.7 hours before the alert went out and 251 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
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1979 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 42 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 166 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 429 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
602
WUUS53 KJKL 160640
SVRJKL
KYC013-051-109-121-125-189-235-160730-
/O.NEW.KJKL.SV.W.0021.260316T0640Z-260316T0730Z/
BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
240 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026
The National Weather Service in JACKSON KY has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Laurel County in south central Kentucky...
Bell County in southeastern Kentucky...
Knox County in southeastern Kentucky...
Owsley County in southeastern Kentucky...
Jackson County in southeastern Kentucky...
Whitley County in south central Kentucky...
Clay County in southeastern Kentucky...
* Until 330 AM EDT.
* At 240 AM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from Robinet to 8 miles south of Lot, moving east at 55
mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Severe thunderstorms will be near...
London around 245 AM EDT.
Barbourville around 250 AM EDT.
Brush Creek around 255 AM EDT.
Pineville around 300 AM EDT.
Other locations in the path of these severe thunderstorms include
East Pineville and Mistletoe.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
Intense thunderstorm lines can produce brief tornadoes and widespread
significant wind damage. Although a tornado is not immediately
likely, it is best to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of
a building. These storms may cause serious injury and significant
property damage.
&&
LAT...LON 3660 8423 3720 8427 3724 8426 3724 8422
3728 8422 3731 8413 3736 8413 3746 8418
3751 8387 3749 8375 3752 8373 3751 8369
3754 8364 3746 8355 3742 8354 3708 8355
3701 8352 3667 8351 3662 8364 3658 8369
TIME...MOT...LOC 0640Z 270DEG 47KT 3738 8418 3649 8414
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH
$$
GREIF3 follow-up statements
970
WWUS53 KJKL 160652
SVSJKL
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
252 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026
KYC013-051-109-121-125-189-235-160730-
/O.CON.KJKL.SV.W.0021.000000T0000Z-260316T0730Z/
Laurel KY-Bell KY-Knox KY-Owsley KY-Jackson KY-Whitley KY-Clay KY-
252 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 AM EDT
FOR EASTERN LAUREL...BELL...KNOX...OWSLEY...SOUTHEASTERN JACKSON...
EASTERN WHITLEY AND CLAY COUNTIES...
At 251 AM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from Shop Branch to 7 miles south of Wilkerson, moving east
at 55 mph.
HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile
homes, roofs, and outbuildings.
These severe storms will be near...
Barbourville around 255 AM EDT.
Pineville around 300 AM EDT.
Other locations in the path of these severe thunderstorms include
East Pineville, Mistletoe and Stony Fork Junction.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
To report severe weather contact your nearest law enforcement agency.
They will send your report to the National Weather Service office in
JACKSON KY.
Intense thunderstorm lines can produce brief tornadoes and widespread
significant wind damage. Although a tornado is not immediately
likely, it is best to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of
a building. These storms may cause serious injury and significant
property damage.
&&
LAT...LON 3660 8417 3748 8405 3751 8387 3749 8375
3752 8373 3751 8369 3754 8364 3746 8355
3742 8354 3708 8355 3701 8352 3667 8351
3662 8364 3658 8369
TIME...MOT...LOC 0651Z 270DEG 47KT 3738 8400 3649 8396
THUNDERSTORM DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...70 MPH
$$
GREIF207
WWUS53 KJKL 160712
SVSJKL
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
312 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026
KYC109-125-160721-
/O.CAN.KJKL.SV.W.0021.000000T0000Z-260316T0730Z/
Laurel KY-Jackson KY-
312 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR EASTERN LAUREL AND
SOUTHEASTERN JACKSON COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...
The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the warned
area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 700 AM EDT for
south central and southeastern Kentucky.
&&
LAT...LON 3659 8405 3713 8376 3733 8380 3734 8378
3749 8382 3749 8375 3752 8373 3751 8369
3754 8364 3747 8356 3742 8354 3708 8355
3698 8352 3667 8351 3662 8364 3658 8369
TIME...MOT...LOC 0711Z 270DEG 47KT 3738 8371 3649 8368
$$
KYC013-051-121-189-235-160730-
/O.CON.KJKL.SV.W.0021.000000T0000Z-260316T0730Z/
Bell KY-Knox KY-Owsley KY-Whitley KY-Clay KY-
312 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 AM EDT
FOR BELL...KNOX...OWSLEY...SOUTHEASTERN WHITLEY AND CLAY COUNTIES...
At 311 AM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from Conkling to near New Tazewell, moving east at 55 mph.
HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile
homes, roofs, and outbuildings.
Locations impacted include...
Seth.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
To report severe weather contact your nearest law enforcement agency.
They will send your report to the National Weather Service office in
JACKSON KY.
Intense thunderstorm lines can produce brief tornadoes and widespread
significant wind damage. Although a tornado is not immediately
likely, it is best to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of
a building. These storms may cause serious injury and significant
property damage.
&&
LAT...LON 3659 8405 3713 8376 3733 8380 3734 8378
3749 8382 3749 8375 3752 8373 3751 8369
3754 8364 3747 8356 3742 8354 3708 8355
3698 8352 3667 8351 3662 8364 3658 8369
TIME...MOT...LOC 0711Z 270DEG 47KT 3738 8371 3649 8368
THUNDERSTORM DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...70 MPH
$$
GREIF435
WWUS53 KJKL 160722
SVSJKL
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
322 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026
KYC235-160732-
/O.CAN.KJKL.SV.W.0021.000000T0000Z-260316T0730Z/
Whitley KY-
322 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN WHITLEY COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...
The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the warned
area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 700 AM EDT for
south central and southeastern Kentucky.
&&
LAT...LON 3659 8393 3746 8356 3742 8354 3708 8355
3696 8352 3667 8351 3662 8364 3658 8369
TIME...MOT...LOC 0722Z 270DEG 47KT 3738 8360 3649 8357
$$
KYC013-051-121-189-160730-
/O.CON.KJKL.SV.W.0021.000000T0000Z-260316T0730Z/
Bell KY-Knox KY-Owsley KY-Clay KY-
322 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 AM EDT
FOR BELL...EASTERN KNOX...SOUTHEASTERN OWSLEY AND EASTERN CLAY
COUNTIES...
At 322 AM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from Ricetown to Tazewell, moving east at 55 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
Locations impacted include...
Pineville, Middlesboro, Brightshade, Varilla, Barnyard, Ponza, Salt
Gum, Beverly, Goose Rock, Barcreek, Erose, and Blanche.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
To report severe weather contact your nearest law enforcement agency.
They will send your report to the National Weather Service office in
JACKSON KY.
Intense thunderstorm lines can produce brief tornadoes and widespread
significant wind damage. Although a tornado is not immediately
likely, it is best to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of
a building. These storms may cause serious injury and significant
property damage.
&&
LAT...LON 3659 8393 3746 8356 3742 8354 3708 8355
3696 8352 3667 8351 3662 8364 3658 8369
TIME...MOT...LOC 0722Z 270DEG 47KT 3738 8360 3649 8357
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH
$$
GREIFThe office that day
Everything else NWS Jackson, KY issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 16, 1:25 AM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | JKL | McCreary, Pulaski, Wayne | 50 min |
| Mar 16, 1:34 AM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | JKL | Pulaski, Rockcastle | 41 min |
| Mar 16, 1:42 AM EDT | Tornado Warning | JKL | McCreary, Wayne | 33 min |
| Mar 16, 1:48 AM EDT | Special Weather Statement | JKL | Fleming | 42 min |
| Mar 16, 2:06 AM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | JKL | Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Whitley | 39 min |
| Mar 16, 2:09 AM EDT | Tornado Warning | JKL | Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Wayne, Whitley | 36 min |
| Mar 16, 2:22 AM EDT | Special Weather Statement | JKL | Bath, Estill, Lee, Menifee, Montgomery, Powell and 2 more | 53 min |
| Mar 16, 2:34 AM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | JKL | Bath, Estill, Jackson, Lee, Menifee, Montgomery and 1 more | 41 min |
| Mar 16, 2:45 AM EDT | Special Weather Statement | JKL | Bath, Fleming, Rowan | 30 min |
| Mar 16, 3:00 AM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | JKL | Breathitt, Elliott, Lee, Magoffin, Menifee, Morgan and 3 more | 45 min |
| Mar 16, 3:09 AM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | JKL | Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Harlan, Knott, Leslie and 3 more | 51 min |
| Mar 16, 3:30 AM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | JKL | Bell, Clay, Knox | 15 min |
| Mar 16, 3:39 AM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | JKL | Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, Magoffin, Perry | 51 min |
| Mar 16, 3:51 AM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | JKL | Elliott, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin, Morgan | 39 min |
| Mar 16, 3:55 AM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | JKL | Bell, Harlan, Knott, Letcher | 50 min |
| Mar 16, 4:16 AM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | JKL | Floyd, Pike | 44 min |
| Mar 16, 4:32 AM EDT | Special Weather Statement | JKL | Martin | 13 min |
| Mar 16, 4:57 AM EDT | Special Weather Statement | JKL | Pike | 18 min |
| Mar 16, 3:55 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | JKL | Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Letcher, Martin, Pike | 65 min |
Nearby
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Kentucky, 2026Every severe thunderstorm warning 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.