Alert archive / Kentucky / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 39, NWS Louisville, KY

July 21, 2026Marion County, Nelson County, Washington County, Kentucky

NWS Louisville, KY issued this tornado warning at Jul 21, 2026, 4:40 PM EDT for Marion County, Nelson County, Washington County, Kentucky. It was in force for 27 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
Jul 21, 2026, 4:40 PM EDT (20:40 UTC)
Expired
Jul 21, 2026, 5:07 PM EDT
In force
27 min
Issued by
NWS Louisville, KY
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Radar indicated
Hail
0.75 in

Counties Marion County, KY, Nelson County, KY, Washington County, KY

The radar

The Louisville radar (KLVX), 49 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:44 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 watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Jul 21, 2:18 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WatchSPC7 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Nashville Metro, TN (KBNA), launched 12:00Z, 8.7 hours before the alert went out and 206 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 2026-07-21Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 1809 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Nashville Metro, TN at 12:00Z on 2026-07-21The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 20 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
1809 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-24 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
852 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
20 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
20 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
79 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.2
Supercell composite
1.7

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

632 
WFUS53 KLMK 212040
TORLMK
KYC155-179-229-212130-
/O.NEW.KLMK.TO.W.0039.260721T2040Z-260721T2130Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Louisville KY
440 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

The National Weather Service in Louisville has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Central Nelson County in central Kentucky...
  Northwestern Marion County in central Kentucky...
  Southwestern Washington County in central Kentucky...

* Until 530 PM EDT.

* At 440 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located near Bardstown, 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.

* This dangerous storm will be near...
  Bardstown around 445 PM EDT.
  Springfield around 515 PM EDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Booker, Briartown, Bearwallow, Culvertown, Botland, Mooresville,
Polin, Croakes, Balltown, and Greenbrier.

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.

This cluster of thunderstorms is capable of producing tornadoes and
widespread significant wind damage. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest
floor of a building.

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

&&

LAT...LON 3770 8560 3779 8561 3779 8559 3783 8519
      3765 8520
TIME...MOT...LOC 2040Z 275DEG 27KT 3778 8557 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

Bumgardner
4 follow-up statements
104 
WWUS53 KLMK 212050
SVSLMK

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
450 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

KYC155-179-229-212130-
/O.CON.KLMK.TO.W.0039.000000T0000Z-260721T2130Z/
Nelson KY-Marion KY-Washington KY-
450 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 530 PM EDT FOR CENTRAL
NELSON...NORTHWESTERN MARION AND SOUTHWESTERN WASHINGTON COUNTIES...

At 450 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Bardstown, moving east at 35 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.

This dangerous storm will be near...
  Springfield around 505 PM EDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Booker, Briartown, Bearwallow, Culvertown, Botland, Croakes,
Balltown, Greenbrier, Jimtown, and Fredericktown.

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.

This cluster of thunderstorms is capable of producing tornadoes and
widespread significant wind damage. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest
floor of a building.

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

&&

LAT...LON 3769 8555 3777 8554 3780 8519 3765 8520
TIME...MOT...LOC 2050Z 274DEG 29KT 3773 8546 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

Bumgardner
207 
WWUS53 KLMK 212059
SVSLMK

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
459 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

KYC179-212109-
/O.CAN.KLMK.TO.W.0039.000000T0000Z-260721T2130Z/
Nelson KY-
459 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR CENTRAL NELSON COUNTY IS CANCELLED...

The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out 
of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for
central Kentucky.

&&

LAT...LON 3768 8542 3771 8542 3771 8520 3765 8520
TIME...MOT...LOC 2059Z 284DEG 28KT 3767 8537 

$$

KYC155-229-212130-
/O.CON.KLMK.TO.W.0039.000000T0000Z-260721T2130Z/
Marion KY-Washington KY-
459 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 530 PM EDT FOR
NORTHWESTERN MARION AND SOUTHWESTERN WASHINGTON COUNTIES...

At 459 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 8 miles west of Springfield, 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.

This dangerous storm will be near...
  Springfield around 505 PM EDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Jimtown, Gandertown, Cisselville, Saint Catharine, Briartown, and
Bearwallow.

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.

This cluster of thunderstorms is capable of producing tornadoes and
widespread significant wind damage. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest
floor of a building.

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

&&

LAT...LON 3768 8542 3771 8542 3771 8520 3765 8520
TIME...MOT...LOC 2059Z 284DEG 28KT 3767 8537 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

Bumgardner
258 
WWUS53 KLMK 212106
SVSLMK

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
506 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

KYC155-212115-
/O.CAN.KLMK.TO.W.0039.000000T0000Z-260721T2130Z/
Marion KY-
506 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHWESTERN MARION COUNTY IS CANCELLED...

The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out 
of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for
central Kentucky.

&&

LAT...LON 3767 8536 3768 8536 3767 8520 3765 8520
TIME...MOT...LOC 2105Z 286DEG 30KT 3766 8530 

$$

KYC229-212130-
/O.CON.KLMK.TO.W.0039.000000T0000Z-260721T2130Z/
Washington KY-
506 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 530 PM EDT FOR
SOUTHWESTERN WASHINGTON COUNTY...

At 505 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Springfield, moving east at 35 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.

This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
southwestern Washington County, including the following locations...
Jimtown.

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.

This cluster of thunderstorms is capable of producing tornadoes and
widespread significant wind damage. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest
floor of a building.

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

&&

LAT...LON 3767 8536 3768 8536 3767 8520 3765 8520
TIME...MOT...LOC 2105Z 286DEG 30KT 3766 8530 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

Bumgardner
570 
WWUS53 KLMK 212107 RRA
SVSLMK

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
507 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

KYC229-212117-
/O.CAN.KLMK.TO.W.0039.000000T0000Z-260721T2130Z/
Washington KY-
507 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTHWESTERN WASHINGTON COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...

The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area.
Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.  However, gusty winds and
heavy rain are still possible with this thunderstorm.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for
central Kentucky.

&&

LAT...LON 3767 8536 3768 8536 3767 8520 3765 8520
TIME...MOT...LOC 2104Z 275DEG 27KT 3766 8527 

$$

Bumgardner

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 21, 4:03 AM EDTFlood WatchLMKAdair, Allen, Anderson, Barren, Bourbon, Boyle and 28 more19 hr
Jul 21, 12:27 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementLMKOldham33 min
Jul 21, 12:57 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementLMKHenry48 min
Jul 21, 2:44 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKOldham, Trimble35 min
Jul 21, 2:54 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKJefferson, Oldham36 min
Jul 21, 3:03 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKJefferson, Meade42 min
Jul 21, 3:10 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKJefferson3 hr
Jul 21, 3:15 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKBullitt, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer45 min
Jul 21, 3:26 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKBreckinridge, Bullitt, Hardin, Jefferson, Meade, Nelson and 1 more64 min
Jul 21, 3:30 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementLMKHenry15 min
Jul 21, 3:34 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKOldham, Shelby3 hr
Jul 21, 3:45 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKMeade15 min
Jul 21, 3:50 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKMeade3 hr
Jul 21, 3:51 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKAnderson, Franklin, Mercer, Nelson, Shelby, Spencer and 2 more54 min
Jul 21, 3:52 PM EDTTornado WarningLMKHarrison, Scott24 min
Jul 21, 3:57 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementLMKFranklin, Scott33 min
Jul 21, 3:58 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKBullitt, Jefferson, Shelby, Spencer33 min
Jul 21, 3:59 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningLMKJefferson3 hr
Jul 21, 4:02 PM EDTTornado WarningLMKBullitt, Hardin, Meade28 min
Jul 21, 4:06 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningLMKMeade3 hr
Jul 21, 4:09 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKBullitt, Hardin3 hr
Jul 21, 4:11 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKBreckinridge, Grayson, Hancock34 min
Jul 21, 4:14 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKFranklin, Harrison, Scott3 hr
Jul 21, 4:15 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKBreckinridge15 min
Jul 21, 4:15 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKBullitt, Hardin, Larue, Nelson30 min
Jul 21, 4:22 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementLMKBourbon, Clark, Harrison, Nicholas, Scott38 min
Jul 21, 4:23 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKBreckinridge, Hancock, Ohio22 min
Jul 21, 4:27 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKAnderson, Larue, Nelson, Spencer, Woodford3 hr
Jul 21, 4:30 PM EDTTornado WarningLMKBullitt, Nelson30 min
Jul 21, 4:31 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKBourbon, Fayette, Nicholas3 hr
Jul 21, 4:38 PM EDTTornado WarningLMKBreckinridge, Grayson, Hardin29 min
Jul 21, 4:42 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningLMKAnderson3 hr
Jul 21, 4:45 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKJessamine, Marion, Mercer, Washington3 hr
Jul 21, 4:46 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatLMKBoyle, Green, Hardin, Hart, Larue, Marion and 3 more44 min
Jul 21, 4:47 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKBreckinridge, Grayson3 hr
Jul 21, 4:51 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKAnderson, Clark, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Madison and 3 more24 min
Jul 21, 4:58 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKButler, Ohio, Warren22 min
Jul 21, 5:01 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementLMKBourbon, Nicholas14 min
Jul 21, 5:03 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKEdmonson, Grayson, Hardin, Hart, Larue57 min
Jul 21, 5:04 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningLMKBreckinridge, Grayson, Hardin3 hr
Jul 21, 5:07 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKBourbon, Clark23 min
Jul 21, 5:12 PM EDTTornado WarningLMKBourbon, Clark18 min
Jul 21, 5:14 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKBoyle, Clark, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Lincoln and 2 more46 min
Jul 21, 5:17 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKButler, Ohio3 hr
Jul 21, 5:18 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKButler, Edmonson, Grayson, Ohio15 min
Jul 21, 5:20 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKAdair, Boyle, Casey, Green, Hart, Larue and 3 more40 min
Jul 21, 5:21 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKBourbon, Boyle, Clark, Garrard, Madison3 hr
Jul 21, 5:21 PM EDTTornado WarningLMKEdmonson, Grayson, Hart39 min
Jul 21, 5:28 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKCasey, Green, Hart, Lincoln, Taylor3 hr
Jul 21, 5:34 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningLMKBullitt, Hardin, Larue, Marion, Nelson3 hr
Jul 21, 5:37 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKButler, Edmonson, Warren23 min
Jul 21, 5:41 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKButler, Logan, Warren34 min
Jul 21, 5:45 PM EDTTornado Warning Tornado observedConsiderable damage threatLMKBarren, Green, Hart, Metcalfe45 min
Jul 21, 5:49 PM EDTTornado WarningLMKButler, Logan41 min
Jul 21, 5:52 PM EDTTornado WarningLMKCasey, Lincoln20 min
Jul 21, 5:54 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningLMKBoyle, Garrard, Mercer3 hr
Jul 21, 5:57 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKCasey, Clark, Garrard, Lincoln, Madison18 min
Jul 21, 6:16 PM EDTTornado WarningLMKAdair, Green, Hart, Metcalfe44 min
Jul 21, 6:20 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKEdmonson, Logan, Warren3 hr
Jul 21, 6:22 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKButler, Logan, Simpson, Warren27 min
Jul 21, 6:25 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKAdair, Barren, Metcalfe3 hr
Jul 21, 6:31 PM EDTTornado WarningLMKMetcalfe29 min
Jul 21, 6:48 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKAllen, Barren, Warren42 min
Jul 21, 6:53 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKAllen, Simpson, Warren52 min
Jul 21, 6:57 PM EDTAreal Flood WarningLMKBullitt, Jefferson, Oldham3 hr
Jul 21, 6:58 PM EDTTornado WarningLMKCumberland, Metcalfe, Monroe47 min
Jul 21, 6:59 PM EDTAreal Flood WarningLMKBreckinridge, Meade3 hr
Jul 21, 7:18 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKAllen, Clinton, Cumberland, Monroe3 hr
Jul 21, 7:31 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKLogan, Simpson, Warren32 min
Jul 21, 7:34 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKClinton, Cumberland41 min
Jul 21, 7:35 PM EDTAreal Flood WarningLMKAnderson, Franklin, Mercer, Shelby, Spencer, Washington and 1 more3 hr
Jul 21, 7:47 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKAllen17 min
Jul 21, 7:48 PM EDTAreal Flood WarningLMKBreckinridge, Bullitt, Butler, Grayson, Hancock, Hardin and 5 more3 hr
Jul 21, 7:54 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLMKCumberland, Metcalfe, Monroe51 min
Jul 21, 7:58 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLMKLogan, Simpson3 hr

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; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.