Alert archive / Kentucky / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026

Flash Flood Warning 9, NWS Louisville, KY

May 22, 2026Breckinridge County, Kentucky

NWS Louisville, KY issued this flash flood warning at May 22, 2026, 8:30 PM CDT for Breckinridge County, Kentucky. It was in force for 105 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
May 22, 2026, 8:30 PM CDT (01:30 UTC)
Expired
May 22, 2026, 10:15 PM CDT
In force
105 min
Issued by
NWS Louisville, KY
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

County Breckinridge County, KY

The radar

The Louisville radar (KLVX), 51 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 01:33 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.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this flash flood 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 nearest sounding before it

Nashville Metro, TN (KBNA), launched 00:00Z, 1.5 hours before the alert went out and 176 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 00:00Z on 2026-05-23Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 396 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 00:00Z on 2026-05-23The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 209 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 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
396 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-17 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
719 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
29 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
209 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
219 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.3
Supercell composite
6.6

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

391 
WGUS53 KLMK 230130
FFWLMK
KYC027-230430-
/O.NEW.KLMK.FF.W.0009.260523T0130Z-260523T0430Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Louisville KY
830 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026

The National Weather Service in Louisville has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Central Breckinridge County in central Kentucky...

* Until 1130 PM CDT.

* At 830 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing 
  heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain 
  have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1.5 inches are 
  possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected 
  to begin shortly.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

  SOURCE...Radar.

  IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
           areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
           other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Hardinsburg, Webster, Irvington, Harned, Locust Hill, Garfield, 
  Kingswood, Westview, Woodrow and Se Ree.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the 
dangers of flooding.

Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.

&&

LAT...LON 3759 8642 3762 8650 3762 8651 3764 8656
      3788 8640 3791 8631 3782 8620

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

CSG
1 follow-up statement
212 
WGUS73 KLMK 230315
FFSLMK

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
1015 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026

KYC027-230325-
/O.CAN.KLMK.FF.W.0009.000000T0000Z-260523T0430Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Breckinridge KY-
1015 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR CENTRAL BRECKINRIDGE COUNTY HAS BEEN 
REPLACED WITH A FLOOD WARNING...

&&

LAT...LON 3759 8642 3762 8650 3762 8651 3764 8656
      3788 8640 3791 8631 3782 8620

$$

CSG

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 Louisville, KY wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at May 22, 6:14 PM CDT, 2 hours 16 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • * Showers and bands of storms will continue into the evening hours that bring a Marginal Risk for severe wind gusts and a small chance (2%) of a tornado. * There continues to be a flash flood threat this evening as some storms could train over the same areas with localized rain totals tonight ranging 2-4+". Rain slowly winds down Saturday afternoon. * Episodic bouts of showers/storms are expected to continue through the weekend and into the middle of next week. Localized excessive rainfall may result in flooding in some areas.
Area forecast discussion, May 22, 6:14 PM CDT, 2 hours 16 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Louisville KY
714 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

...Updated Aviation Discussion...

.KEY MESSAGES...

* Showers and bands of storms will continue into the evening hours
  that bring a Marginal Risk for severe wind gusts and a small
  chance (2%) of a tornado.

* There continues to be a flash flood threat this evening as some
  storms could train over the same areas with localized rain totals
  tonight ranging 2-4+". Rain slowly winds down Saturday afternoon.

* Episodic bouts of showers/storms are expected to continue through
  the weekend and into the middle of next week.  Localized excessive
  rainfall may result in flooding in some areas.

&&

.SHORT TERM /THROUGH SATURDAY/...
Issued at 352 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

Scattered showers are exiting our northern areas moving NE as
convective showers and storms are rolling through our southern CWA.
Everything is moving NE and will continue to bring heavy downpours
along with the Marginal Risk of strong to severe wind gusts, small
sized hail, and a small chance of a tornado (2%). A surface low has
formed from the influence of a negatively tilted trough axis
swinging through the Plains. A warm front associated with this low
is near the Ohio River moving north creating the scattered storms
across south/central KY. Through the rest of the evening, this
surface low will pump in a surge of moisture with PWATs still in the
1.6 - 2.0" inch range. With the aid of dewpoints in the upper 60s to
near 70, a southwesterly LLJ, and slightly increased instability,
storms will continue to form within the warm sector.

In addition to the severe threat, there remains a flash flooding
threat from these storms. A primary band of storms will push
northward and begin to pivot near the surface low center trekking in
our NW over southern IN later this evening. A weak boundary will
form along the Ohio driven by the surface low creating a convergence
zone at the surface to help maintain these storms in our western KY
and southern IN counties closer to midnight tonight. Depending on
the track of these storms and the location of the convergence zone
later, a few locations could see repeated rounds of heavy rain.
Latest HREF 6hr LPMM data suggests localized areas of 2-4" of rain
is possible with these storms, hence the expanded Flood Watch area.
We will monitor the progress of these storms and should concerns for
localized flooding build, additional flood products will be issued.

The severe threat diminishes quickly just near or after sunset with
the loss of daytime instability. The LLJ will remain overnight
helping whatever convection is left but will trend towards general
storms with rumbles of thunder tonight and sub-severe wind gusts.
CAPE values also plummet near sunset as well, further supporting
general showers and weak storms tonight. Lows tonight will be mild
in the low to mid 60s.

Through the overnight, shower and storm coverage diminishes as the
weak front from the surface low pushes to the northeast. Winds shift
out of the WSW though PWAT values drop very little with dewpoints
remaining in the low 60s. By Saturday morning, spotty showers are
expected to drift towards the east along the weak boundary. This
boundary will gradually slow and become near stationary, allowing an
axis of weak lift with our mositure-rich atmosphere to spawn more
showers or additional weak storms across central/eastern locations
in our CWA. Highs on Saturday remain mild in the upper 70s.
Eventually, rain should end for everyone by Saturday night. Rainfall
totals by Saturday night have a 75% chance to be in the 0.75 - 2"
range across the area, with locally heavier totals upwards of 4"
inches possible with repeated storms that train over the same area.

&&

.LONG TERM /SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY/...
Issued at 352 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

Saturday Night...

The wave of low pressure responsible for our weather in the short
term continues to lift northeast into southern Ontario Saturday
night. A weakening sfc cold front will stall over the Ohio Valley.
We will have another weaker mid-level shortwave trough lift
northeast over the Lower Ohio Valley, but a drier overall airmass
will lead to relatively drier conditions. Spotty, light rain cannot
be ruled out overnight into early Sunday. Lows in the upper 50s and
lower 60s should be common.

Sunday - Sunday Night...

A deeper upper level trough is forecast to swing northeast over
Ontario and the Great Lakes on Sunday, with another upper level
shortwave moving east over Texas. Synoptic scale ascent looks
relatively weak over the Ohio Valley, but we will see another influx
of moisture streaming northeast from the Lower MS Valley. Only weak
low-level convergence is expected along the remnant boundary, but
diurnally-driven showers and storms will be possible in the
afternoon and evening.

Monday - Thursday...

A closed mid-level low will gradually rotate north from Texas into
the central Plains Monday through the middle of next week. A west-
east oriented axis of deep moisture pooled along a quasi-stationary
boundary will slowly lift north over KY and southern IN Monday into
Tuesday. PW values rise from 1.5 inches on Monday to 1.75 inches by
Tuesday. Slow-moving, persistent showers and occasional thunderstorm
activity will likely eventually lead to isolated flooding issues.
Fortunately, the ground can likely soak up most of this weekend's
rains in central KY due to drought conditions in recent weeks. We
will need to monitor observed rainfall trends through the weekend,
which will have an impact on the flooding potential next week.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z SUNDAY/...
Issued at 713 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

Scattered showers are across the region, producing some heavy rain
at times and reduced vis. Impacts to flight categories will continue
through tonight, with mostly IFR cigs across the region. HNB has the
best chance of LIFR cigs overnight and into tomorrow morning.
Otherwise, we'll see sfc winds swing around as a sfc low spins
through the area. Quite variable directions are to be expected
during the period. Rain chances linger into tomorrow morning, with
slightly more favorable trend for drier weather tomorrow. Could
begin to see some slight improvements to cigs tomorrow as well,
though most terminals will remain in at least a MVFR status.

&&

.LMK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
KY...Flood Watch until 5 AM EDT Saturday for KYZ030-031-034-040-048-
     057.
     Flood Watch through Saturday morning for KYZ032-033-035>037-
     041>043-049.
IN...Flood Watch until 5 AM EDT Saturday for INZ077-078-090>092.
     Flood Watch through Saturday morning for INZ079.

&&

SHORT TERM...BKF
LONG TERM...EBW
AVIATION...CJP

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 22, 7:08 PM CDT, 1 hour 22 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
708 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026

KYZ061-070-230045-
Logan KY-Butler KY-
708 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026

...GUSTY SHOWERS WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN LOGAN AND SOUTHWESTERN
BUTLER COUNTIES THROUGH 745 PM CDT...

At 708 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking gusty showers near Dunmor,
moving northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Rochester, Huntsville, Diamond Springs, Wolf Lick, Harper Crossroads,
Silver City, Agnes, Harreldsville, Pleasant Hill, and Quality.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Conditions are favorable for the development of weak, brief funnel
clouds. This type of funnel cloud is harmless, but on rare occasions
they can briefly touch down, producing wind gusts over 50 mph. If a
funnel cloud is spotted move indoors and report your sighting to the
National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3706 8705 3707 8698 3707 8694 3708 8694
      3709 8690 3710 8690 3711 8689 3713 8690
      3713 8692 3716 8693 3718 8692 3718 8689
      3719 8689 3719 8691 3721 8689 3712 8676
      3699 8699 3705 8705
TIME...MOT...LOC 0008Z 221DEG 26KT 3703 8698

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

SRW
Special weather statement, May 22, 7:14 PM CDT, 1 hour 16 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
714 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026

KYZ027-061-062-230045-
Grayson KY-Edmonson KY-Butler KY-
714 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026

...GUSTY SHOWERS WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN BUTLER...SOUTHWESTERN
GRAYSON AND NORTHWESTERN EDMONSON COUNTIES THROUGH 745 PM CDT...

At 714 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking gusty showers near
Morgantown, moving northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Casey, Lee, Caneyville, Monford, Banock, Flener, Big Reedy, Tilford,
South, and Brooklyn.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Conditions are favorable for the development of weak, brief funnel
clouds. This type of funnel cloud is harmless, but on rare occasions
they can briefly touch down, producing wind gusts over 50 mph. If a
funnel cloud is spotted move indoors and report your sighting to the
National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3719 8664 3731 8671 3746 8651 3729 8630
TIME...MOT...LOC 0014Z 234DEG 26KT 3727 8662

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

SRW
Special weather statement, May 22, 7:45 PM CDT, 45 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
845 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

KYZ024-025-027-028-061-062-230115-
Grayson KY-Edmonson KY-Butler KY-Meade KY-Hardin KY-Breckinridge KY-
845 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

...GUSTY SHOWERS WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN MEADE...NORTHEASTERN
BUTLER...CENTRAL GRAYSON...SOUTHEASTERN BRECKINRIDGE...WEST CENTRAL
HARDIN AND NORTHWESTERN EDMONSON COUNTIES THROUGH 915 PM EDT/815 PM
CDT/...

At 845 PM EDT/745 PM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking gusty showers
along a line extending from 11 miles northeast of Hardinsburg to 11
miles northwest of Brownsville. Movement was northeast at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Leitchfield, Hardinsburg, Lee, Clarkson, Caneyville, Concord, Dyer,
Se Ree, Saint Paul, and Buras.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Conditions are favorable for the development of weak, brief funnel
clouds. This type of funnel cloud is harmless, but on rare occasions
they can briefly touch down, producing wind gusts over 50 mph. If a
funnel cloud is spotted move indoors and report your sighting to the
National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3792 8606 3732 8624 3723 8655 3778 8647
TIME...MOT...LOC 0045Z 243DEG 21KT 3784 8627 3726 8645

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

SRW
Special weather statement, May 22, 7:49 PM CDT, 41 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
749 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026

KYZ061-230115-
Butler KY-
749 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026

...GUSTY SHOWERS WILL IMPACT CENTRAL BUTLER COUNTY THROUGH 815 PM
CDT...

At 749 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking gusty showers near
Morgantown, moving northeast at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Morgantown, Casey, Woodbury, Monford, South Hill, Mining City,
Aberdeen, Leetown, Flener, and Eden.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Conditions are favorable for the development of weak, brief funnel
clouds. This type of funnel cloud is harmless, but on rare occasions
they can briefly touch down, producing wind gusts over 50 mph. If a
funnel cloud is spotted move indoors and report your sighting to the
National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3738 8657 3737 8652 3722 8651 3718 8659
      3718 8662 3717 8662 3709 8680 3720 8683
TIME...MOT...LOC 0049Z 238DEG 17KT 3715 8677

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

SRW
Special weather statement, May 22, 8:14 PM CDT, 16 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
914 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

KYZ024-025-027-028-230145-
Grayson KY-Meade KY-Hardin KY-Breckinridge KY-
914 PM EDT Fri May 22 2026

...GUSTY SHOWERS WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN MEADE...EASTERN GRAYSON...
SOUTHEASTERN BRECKINRIDGE AND WESTERN HARDIN COUNTIES THROUGH 945 PM
EDT/845 PM CDT/...

At 914 PM EDT/814 PM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking gusty showers
along a line extending from 8 miles south of Brandenburg to 8 miles
south of Leitchfield. Movement was northeast at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Leitchfield, Irvington, Muldraugh, Clarkson, Dyer, Rock Creek, Saint
Paul, Buras, Grahamton, and Sadler.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Conditions are favorable for the development of weak, brief funnel
clouds. This type of funnel cloud is harmless, but on rare occasions
they can briefly touch down, producing wind gusts over 50 mph. If a
funnel cloud is spotted move indoors and report your sighting to the
National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3796 8598 3740 8611 3734 8640 3787 8632
TIME...MOT...LOC 0114Z 245DEG 18KT 3788 8615 3737 8628

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

SRW
Special weather statement, May 22, 8:14 PM CDT, 16 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
814 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026

KYZ027-061-062-230145-
Grayson KY-Edmonson KY-Butler KY-
814 PM CDT Fri May 22 2026

...GUSTY SHOWERS WILL IMPACT NORTHERN BUTLER...SOUTHWESTERN GRAYSON
AND NORTHWESTERN EDMONSON COUNTIES THROUGH 845 PM CDT...

At 814 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking gusty showers near
Morgantown, moving northeast at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Morgantown, Casey, Lee, Woodbury, Monford, Mining City, Aberdeen,
Leetown, Eden, and Brooklyn.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Conditions are favorable for the development of weak, brief funnel
clouds. This type of funnel cloud is harmless, but on rare occasions
they can briefly touch down, producing wind gusts over 50 mph. If a
funnel cloud is spotted move indoors and report your sighting to the
National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3721 8683 3743 8655 3729 8638 3711 8677
TIME...MOT...LOC 0114Z 232DEG 23KT 3726 8665

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

SRW

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 22, 7:08 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementLMKButler37 min
May 22, 7:14 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementLMKButler31 min
May 22, 7:37 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKBreckinridge, Hardin, Meade3 hr
May 22, 7:45 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementLMKBreckinridge, Grayson30 min
May 22, 7:49 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementLMKButler26 min
May 22, 8:13 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKGrayson, Hardin32 min
May 22, 8:14 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementLMKGrayson31 min
May 22, 8:14 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementLMKButler31 min
May 22, 8:35 PM CDTTornado WarningLMKGrayson, Hardin22 min
May 22, 8:38 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKBullitt, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, Nelson37 min
May 22, 9:05 PM CDTFlash Flood WarningLMKHenry, Shelby69 min
May 22, 9:14 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKHardin, Jefferson, Meade4 hr
May 22, 9:25 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementLMKGrayson35 min
May 22, 9:47 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementLMKHardin28 min
May 22, 9:50 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKBreckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Meade3 hr
May 22, 10:13 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementLMKHardin32 min
May 22, 10:14 PM CDTAreal Flood WarningLMKHenry, Shelby3 hr
May 22, 10:15 PM CDTAreal Flood WarningLMKBreckinridge75 min
May 22, 10:45 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKBullitt2 hr
May 23, 5:33 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKAnderson, Franklin, Shelby, Spencer4 hr

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in Kentucky, 2026Every flash flood 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; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.