Tornadoes and Hail in Kentucky, May 18, 1995

Name: Tornadoes and Hail in Kentucky, May 18, 1995
Start: 1995-05-18T00:55
End: 1995-05-18T22:29
Location: Kentucky

May 18, 1995 · 131 events in 65 counties and zones

The F2 tornado began in Mayo in Central Mercer County and produced consistent high F1 to low F2 tornado damage across Mercer and Southern Woodford Counties. The most significant damage was in Salvisa along US 127 with extensive barn and outbuilding destruction along with roof damage to homes and cars being blown off the highway.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 118 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 58
Property damage: $73 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 131

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS forecasters wrote it up.

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

69 thunderstorm wind, 38 hail, 24 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ballard

When: May 18, 12:55 AM CST
Where: Ballard County, Future City
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph)
Coordinates: 37.058, -88.999 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, McCracken

When: May 18, 1:12 AM CST
Where: McCracken County, Paducah
Measured: 73 kt (84 mph)
Property damage: $20,000
Coordinates: 37.054, -88.713 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A wind gust to 84 MPH was clocked at the National Weather Service office in West Paducah. Damage to trees, signs, and unsecured outdoor objects occurred from the Barkley Regional Airport to the western city limits of Paducah. Spotty roof damage was also observed, and siding was ripped from the National Weather Service office.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carlisle

When: May 18, 1:30 AM CST
Where: Carlisle County, Bardwell
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph)
Coordinates: 36.853, -88.971 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Livingston

When: May 18, 1:40 AM CST
Where: Livingston County, New Liberty
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Coordinates: 37.210, -88.354 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Lyon

When: May 18, 2:10 AM CST
Where: Lyon County, Eddyville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph)
Coordinates: 37.019, -88.083 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Marshall

When: May 18, 2:15 AM CST
Where: Marshall County, Draffenville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Coordinates: 36.884, -88.329 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Crittenden

When: May 18, 2:15 AM CST
Where: Crittenden County, Marion
Property damage: $10,000
Coordinates: 37.353, -88.097 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Caldwell

When: May 18, 2:40 AM CST
Where: Caldwell County, Princeton
Measured: 1 in hail
Coordinates: 37.145, -87.868 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Hopkins

When: May 18, 2:45 AM CST
Where: Hopkins County, Madisonville
Property damage: $30,000
Coordinates: 37.309, -87.541 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several trees were blown down in and near the Madisonville area. One tree fell on a mobile home resulting in substantial damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ohio

When: May 18, 3:15 AM CST
Where: Ohio County, Hartford
Property damage: $10,000
Coordinates: 37.478, -86.849 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several trees were blown down in Hartford.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marshall

When: May 18, 3:16 AM CST
Where: Marshall County, Benton
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Property damage: $2,000
Coordinates: 36.884, -88.329 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Muhlenberg

When: May 18, 3:20 AM CST
Where: Muhlenberg County, Greenville
Property damage: $10,000
Coordinates: 37.216, -87.142 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several trees were blown down in Greenville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marshall

When: May 18, 3:30 AM CST
Where: Marshall County, Calvert City
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Coordinates: 36.884, -88.329 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Marshall

When: May 18, 3:35 AM CST
Where: Marshall County, Hardin
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Coordinates: 36.884, -88.329 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Hardin

When: May 18, 6:20 AM EDT
Where: Hardin County, Glendale
Property damage: $50,000
Coordinates: 37.698, -85.963 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A roof was blown off a barn onto a mobile home reported by Elizabethtown Department of Emergency Service. Also, many trees were down. A steeple from a church was blown off.

Thunderstorm Wind, Nelson

When: May 18, 7:00 AM EDT
Where: Nelson County, Bardstown
Coordinates: 37.805, -85.466 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Bardstown police reports several trees down.

Tornado, Mercer

When: May 18, 6:16 AM EST to 6:25 AM EST
Where: Mercer County, Salvisa
Rating: F2
Path length: 7.4 mi
Path width: 125 yd
Injuries: 8 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $5.0 million
Reported by: WFO
Coordinates: 37.882, -84.936

Tornado, Mercer

When: May 18, 6:19 AM EST to 6:25 AM EST
Where: Mercer County, Salvisa
Rating: F2
Path length: 5.2 mi
Path width: 350 yd
Reported by: WFO
Coordinates: 37.854, -84.868

Thunderstorm Wind, Marion

When: May 18, 7:20 AM EDT
Where: Marion County, Lebanon
Coordinates: 37.553, -85.270 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Public reports trees and power lines down.

Tornado, Woodford

When: May 18, 6:25 AM EST to 6:28 AM EST
Where: Woodford County, Wilmore
Rating: F2
Path length: 2.6 mi
Path width: 125 yd
Reported by: WFO
Coordinates: 37.900, -84.802

Tornado, Woodford

When: May 18, 6:25 AM EST to 6:29 AM EST
Where: Woodford County, Versailles
Rating: F2
Path length: 3.7 mi
Path width: 350 yd
Reported by: WFO
Coordinates: 37.863, -84.773

Tornado, Jessamine

When: May 18, 6:29 AM EST to 6:44 AM EST
Where: Jessamine County, Wilmore to Nicholasville
Rating: F2
Path length: 13.3 mi
Path width: 350 yd
Injuries: 30 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: WFO
Coordinates: 37.872, -84.706

Thunderstorm Wind, Taylor

When: May 18, 7:30 AM EDT
Where: Taylor County, Campbellsville
Property damage: $500
Coordinates: 37.367, -85.328 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Public reports trees and awnings down.

Tornado, Fayette

When: May 18, 6:44 AM EST to 6:46 AM EST
Where: Fayette County, Lexington
Rating: F2
Path length: 1.7 mi
Path width: 350 yd
Reported by: WFO
Coordinates: 37.929, -84.473

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodford

When: May 18, 7:45 AM EDT
Where: Woodford County
Coordinates: 38.042, -84.744 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Three barns destroyed 15 miles South of Versailles. Also, several houses with roofs blown off.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clark

When: May 18, 8:00 AM EDT
Where: Clark County, Winchester
Injuries: 3 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $50 million
Coordinates: 37.971, -84.147 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The damage path was from Combs Ferry Road Northeast through the county. The roof off the Red Carpet Inn on West Lexington Avenue was blown off. Debris from the roof was thrown on Shoney's Restaurant and Hatfield Chrysler-Plymouth. Three workers at OHI America were injured when the roof collapsed. Three tractor-semitrailers were blown into a building. Also, there was extensive damage to homes and barns. Winds greater than 100 mph estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rowan

When: May 18, 8:40 AM EDT
Where: Rowan County, Farmers
Property damage: $500,000
Coordinates: 38.196, -83.421 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several barns leveled. The True Value and Dollar General stores received extensive damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When: May 18, 8:45 AM EDT
Where: Montgomery County, Mt. Sterling
Property damage: $5.0 million
Coordinates: 38.034, -83.913 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Possible tornado touchdown. Four rooms at Days Inn blown out. Heliy Meyers Furniture Store was halfway knocked down. Tractor-semitrailers were turned over. Jockey International Factory roof was blown off. Margo Auto Part Store was destroyed. Traffic lights were out, and a local radio station was out.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rowan

When: May 18, 8:45 AM EDT
Where: Rowan County, Clearfield
Injuries: 12 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $500,000
Coordinates: 38.196, -83.421 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Considerable damage East through town. Buildings and homes were damaged. Twelve people received minor injuries across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rowan

When: May 18, 8:45 AM EDT
Where: Rowan County, Morehead
Coordinates: 38.196, -83.421 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Morehead Dispatch reports trees down and power out.

Tornado, Rowan

When: May 18, 8:45 AM EDT
Where: Rowan County, Lakeview Heights
Rating: F2
Path length: 2 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Coordinates: 38.196, -83.421 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Department of Emergency Service reports tree damage in a 360 degree pattern. Tornado lifted up just West of Morehead.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carter

When: May 18, 7:50 AM EST to 8:15 AM EST
Where: Carter County, Countywide
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $1.0 million
Coordinates: 38.318, -83.049 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Elliott

When: May 18, 8:00 AM EST
Where: Elliott County, Countywide
Injuries: 2 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $1.0 million
Coordinates: 38.118, -83.098 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When: May 18, 9:00 AM EDT
Where: Jackson County
Coordinates: 37.420, -84.006 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Johnson

When: May 18, 8:15 AM EST
Where: Johnson County, Paintsville
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Coordinates: 37.847, -82.831 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette

When: May 18, 9:30 AM EDT
Where: Fayette County
Property damage: $500,000
Coordinates: 38.042, -84.459 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Numerous trees uprooted and tractor-semitrailers blown on their side in Southern part of county.

Hail, Martin

When: May 18, 8:30 AM EST
Where: Martin County, Inez
Measured: 1 in hail
Coordinates: 37.802, -82.513 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Wolfe

When: May 18, 9:47 AM EDT
Where: Wolfe County
Coordinates: 37.739, -83.493 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Perry

When: May 18, 10:01 AM EDT
Where: Perry County
Coordinates: 37.244, -83.221 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Knott

When: May 18, 10:10 AM EDT
Where: Knott County
Coordinates: 37.354, -82.954 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Letcher

When: May 18, 10:20 AM EDT
Where: Letcher County
Coordinates: 37.121, -82.855 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: May 18, 10:40 AM EDT
Where: Pike County
Coordinates: 37.469, -82.396 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Floyd

When: May 18, 10:55 AM EDT
Where: Floyd County
Coordinates: 37.557, -82.746 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: May 18, 11:09 AM EDT
Where: Pike County
Coordinates: 37.469, -82.396 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Metcalfe

When: May 18, 2:30 PM EDT
Where: Metcalfe County, Summershade
Property damage: $5,000
Coordinates: 36.991, -85.629 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Trees and some barns blown down reported by Fire Department.

Thunderstorm Wind, Taylor

When: May 18, 2:30 PM EDT
Where: Taylor County, Campbellsville
Property damage: $50,000
Coordinates: 37.367, -85.328 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Many trees blown over onto top of garage. Many roads have also been reported underwater across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Taylor

When: May 18, 2:30 PM EDT
Where: Taylor County, Mansville
Coordinates: 37.367, -85.328 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Many trees across Highway 70 were down one mile south of town.

Hail, Ballard

When: May 18, 1:05 PM CST
Where: Ballard County, Wickliffe
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 37.058, -88.999 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The tornado entered Kentucky from Lake County, Tennessee near State Route 94. It tracked northeast through Fulton County parallel to and one mile south of the Illinois Central Gulf railroad tracks. It finally lifted after passing about two miles south of Hickman, the second largest town in the county. The track was through open country, so damage was confined mainly to trees. A few roofs were damaged. The tornado was photographed by Fulton County officials and National Weather Service staff.

Thunderstorm Wind, Russell

When: May 18, 3:05 PM EDT
Where: Russell County
Coordinates: 36.991, -85.059 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

County Department of Emergency Service reported 60 mph winds and large trees down.

Tornado, Ballard

When: May 18, 1:12 PM CST
Where: Ballard County, Fulton to Hickman
Rating: F1
Path length: 9 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Property damage: $30,000
Coordinates: 36.500, -89.270

Thunderstorm Wind, Ballard

When: May 18, 1:15 PM CST
Where: Ballard County, Lacenter
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Coordinates: 37.058, -88.999 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Hickman

When: May 18, 1:20 PM CST
Where: Hickman County, E Clinton
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Coordinates: 36.678, -88.976 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Hickman

When: May 18, 1:26 PM CST
Where: Hickman County, Clinton
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Coordinates: 36.678, -88.976 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When: May 18, 3:45 PM EDT
Where: Jackson County
Coordinates: 37.420, -84.006 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Breathitt

When: May 18, 4:00 PM EDT
Where: Breathitt County
Coordinates: 37.522, -83.324 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Owsley

When: May 18, 4:00 PM EDT
Where: Owsley County
Coordinates: 37.419, -83.683 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Calloway

When: May 18, 3:04 PM EST
Where: Calloway County, Se Murray
Measured: 2 in hail
Property damage: $100,000
Coordinates: 36.621, -88.272 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Windows were broken and cars were dented by hail slightly larger than golf balls.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marshall

When: May 18, 2:15 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, Benton
Property damage: $70,000
Coordinates: 36.884, -88.329 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

About 60 homes were damaged in the storm, mostly by falling trees.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clay

When: May 18, 4:20 PM EDT
Where: Clay County
Coordinates: 37.160, -83.715 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Graves

When: May 18, 2:22 PM CST
Where: Graves County, Mayfield
Measured: 1 in hail
Coordinates: 36.723, -88.651 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Marshall

When: May 18, 2:22 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, Hardin
Measured: 0.01 in hail
Coordinates: 36.884, -88.329 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Graves

When: May 18, 2:26 PM CST
Where: Graves County, Cuba
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Coordinates: 36.723, -88.651 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Edmonson

When: May 18, 2:30 PM CST
Where: Edmonson County, Countywide
Property damage: $10,000
Coordinates: 37.209, -86.239 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several trees were blown down across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fulton

When: May 18, 2:30 PM CST
Where: Fulton County, Fulton
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph)
Coordinates: 36.554, -89.188 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Warren

When: May 18, 2:30 PM CST
Where: Warren County, Bowling Green
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $75,000
Coordinates: 36.994, -86.424 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Knox

When: May 18, 4:32 PM EDT
Where: Knox County
Coordinates: 36.891, -83.854 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Knott

When: May 18, 4:45 PM EDT
Where: Knott County
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 37.354, -82.954 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Lyon

When: May 18, 2:48 PM CST
Where: Lyon County, Grand Rivers
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Coordinates: 37.019, -88.083 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Trigg

When: May 18, 2:51 PM CST
Where: Trigg County, Murray
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $30,000
Coordinates: 36.806, -87.873 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Baseball-size hail damaged cars, windows, and siding. Extensive damage was done to a greenhouse.

Hail, Trigg

When: May 18, 2:54 PM CST
Where: Trigg County, Cadiz
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Property damage: $100,000
Coordinates: 36.806, -87.873 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Baseball-size hail damaged cars, windows, and siding. Extensive damage was done to a greenhouse.

Tornado, Todd

When: May 18, 3:00 PM CST
Where: Todd County, Allegre
Rating: F1
Path length: 0.5 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Property damage: $30,000
Coordinates: 36.836, -87.179 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A tornado touchdown over rural northern Todd county produced substantial damage at a farm. A barn and several smaller buildings were destroyed, and numerous trees in the vicinity were blown down.

Tornado, Christian

When: May 18, 3:10 PM CST
Where: Christian County, Countywide
Rating: F2
Path length: 16 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $800,000
Coordinates: 36.894, -87.490 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

An F2 tornado moved from eastcentral Trigg county into west-central Christian county near Julian. Several mobile homes were damaged or detroyed in the vicinity of Julian. The tornado was on the ground for seven miles, then intermittently touched down over the central portion of the county icluding the Hopkinsville area. The tornado again remained on the ground for another seven miles over east-central Christian county generally maintaining an F3 intensity. Seven homes were destroyed in Lacey.

Tornado, Trigg

When: May 18, 3:12 PM CST
Where: Trigg County, Cadiz
Rating: F1
Path length: 0.5 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Property damage: $2,000
Coordinates: 36.830, -87.820

This was the first of two tornadoes spawned by a supercell thunderstorm that moved through Trigg County. The second more powerful and longer-lived tornado is detailed in the next entry. This first brief tornado only knocked down several trees.

Thunderstorm Wind, Floyd

When: May 18, 5:15 PM EDT
Where: Floyd County
Coordinates: 37.557, -82.746 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tornado, Trigg

When: May 18, 3:15 PM CST
Where: Trigg County, Cadiz to to Caledonia
Rating: F2
Path length: 4 mi
Path width: 75 yd
Property damage: $250,000
Coordinates: 36.870, -87.750

Six houses were damaged, one extensively. Vehicles were moved, including a camper trailer picked up and tossed across a road. A mobile home was blown over 300 feet. Numerous trees were downed, and two barns were destroyed. The tornado moved into Christian County.

Hail, Warren

When: May 18, 3:15 PM CST
Where: Warren County, Countywide
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $75,000
Coordinates: 36.994, -86.424 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Numerous reports of golf ball-size hail were received from across the county.

Hail, Leslie

When: May 18, 5:25 PM EDT
Where: Leslie County
Measured: 2 in hail
Coordinates: 37.094, -83.381 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tornado, Breckinridge

When: May 18, 5:40 PM EDT
Where: Breckinridge County, New Bethel
Rating: F2
Path length: 1 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Property damage: $500,000
Coordinates: 37.773, -86.429 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tornado damaged some homes. Mobile Home parks was damaged, a McDonald's roof and a Kroger's roof were damaged.

Hail, Warren

When: May 18, 3:40 PM CST
Where: Warren County, Countywide
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $75,000
Coordinates: 36.994, -86.424 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Barren

When: May 18, 3:45 PM CST
Where: Barren County, Glascow
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Property damage: $250,000
Coordinates: 36.966, -85.934 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Numerous roofs and automobiles were damaged from baseball-size hail in the Glascow area.

Hail, Letcher

When: May 18, 5:50 PM EDT
Where: Letcher County
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Coordinates: 37.121, -82.855 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Logan

When: May 18, 4:00 PM CST
Where: Logan County, Auburn
Property damage: $30,000
Coordinates: 36.860, -86.879 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A grain bin was blown over near Auburn.

Tornado, Metcalfe

When: May 18, 6:04 PM EDT
Where: Metcalfe County, Edmonton
Rating: F0
Path length: 14 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Coordinates: 36.991, -85.629 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

State trooper reported a tornado touchdown at the fairgrounds. No reports of injuries or damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Perry

When: May 18, 6:05 PM EDT
Where: Perry County
Coordinates: 37.244, -83.221 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tornado, Metcalfe

When: May 18, 6:10 PM EDT
Where: Metcalfe County, Edmonton
Rating: F2
Path length: 14 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Property damage: $500,000
Coordinates: 36.991, -85.629 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tornado touched down in Edmonton then traveled along U.S. 80 to the Adair County line 14 miles to the West. A mobile and three barns were destroyed. Several homes and a factory were damaged. Many trees and power lines were also blown down.

Hail, Green

When: May 18, 6:15 PM EDT
Where: Green County, Near Allendale
Measured: 1 in hail
Coordinates: 37.264, -85.553 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

One inch hail, downed trees and a funnel cloud were reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Metcalfe

When: May 18, 6:15 PM EDT
Where: Metcalfe County, Summershade
Property damage: $5,000
Coordinates: 36.991, -85.629 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Twelve barns were damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Green

When: May 18, 6:20 PM EDT
Where: Green County
Coordinates: 37.264, -85.553 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Central dispatch reports a barn and a mobile home damaged.

Tornado, Warren

When: May 18, 4:25 PM CST
Where: Warren County, Bowling-Green
Rating: F2
Path length: 2.5 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $140,000
Coordinates: 36.980, -86.530

An F2 tornado was intermittently on the ground over a two and one-half mile length. Several homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed.

Hail, Adair

When: May 18, 6:30 PM EDT
Where: Adair County, Columbia
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Coordinates: 37.104, -85.281 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Golf ball-size hail and downed power lines reported by Columbia State Police Post.

Thunderstorm Wind, Adair

When: May 18, 6:30 PM EDT
Where: Adair County, Breeding
Coordinates: 37.104, -85.281 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

County Department of Emergency Service reports a barn destroyed and trees blown down.

Tornado, Warren

When: May 18, 4:30 PM CST
Where: Warren County, Bowling Green
Rating: F2
Path length: 1.5 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $303,000
Coordinates: 36.980, -86.430

An F2 tornado was intermittently on the ground over a one and one-half mile length. Numerous homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed on the north side of Bowling Green.

Tornado, Warren

When: May 18, 4:47 PM CST
Where: Warren County, Bowling-Green
Rating: F2
Path length: 5 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $80,000
Coordinates: 36.980, -86.330

An F2 tornado was intermittently on the ground over a five mile length. Several homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed.

Hail, Casey

When: May 18, 6:55 PM EDT
Where: Casey County, Antioch Hill
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 37.322, -84.928 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

All low-lying roads flooded. Funnel clouds reported from county sheriff.

Hail, Barren

When: May 18, 5:10 PM CST
Where: Barren County, Glascow
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Property damage: $40,000
Coordinates: 36.966, -85.934 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Baseball-size hail fell again in the vicinity of Glascow. Straight-line winds produced residential and business damage across the county.

Tornado, Hardin

When: May 18, 7:15 PM EDT
Where: Hardin County, Radcliff
Rating: F2
Path length: 1 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Property damage: $500,000
Coordinates: 37.698, -85.963 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tornado sighted at Fort Knox. Several buildings damaged.

Hail, Oldham

When: May 18, 7:15 PM EDT
Where: Oldham County, Centerfield
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 38.399, -85.448 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Dime- to quarter-size hail reported by dispatch.

Hail, Russell

When: May 18, 7:25 PM EDT
Where: Russell County, Russell Springs
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Coordinates: 36.991, -85.059 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Golf ball-size hail reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Russell

When: May 18, 7:25 PM EDT
Where: Russell County, Russell Springs
Injuries: 2 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $50,000
Coordinates: 36.991, -85.059 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winds blew a tractor-semitrailer over, injuring two people. Four barns were destroyed and two mobile homes damaged.

Hail, Estill

When: May 18, 7:28 PM EDT
Where: Estill County, Irvine
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 37.693, -83.964 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Dime-size hail reported by HAM radio operator.

Thunderstorm Wind, Estill

When: May 18, 7:30 PM EDT
Where: Estill County, Irvine
Coordinates: 37.693, -83.964 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Numerous trees covering roads.

Hail, Jackson

When: May 18, 7:30 PM EDT
Where: Jackson County
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 37.420, -84.006 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Jefferson

When: May 18, 7:30 PM EDT
Where: Jefferson County, Louisville
Coordinates: 38.187, -85.659 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several power lines downed reported by Department of Emergency Service.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lee

When: May 18, 7:30 PM EDT
Where: Lee County
Coordinates: 37.595, -83.716 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tornado, Bullitt

When: May 18, 7:30 PM EDT
Where: Bullitt County, Shepardsville
Rating: F1
Path length: 2 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Property damage: $50,000
Coordinates: 37.380, -83.380

Funnel cloud sighted West of Shepardsville moving northeast. Barns, buildings, and mobile homes were damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Taylor

When: May 18, 7:30 PM EDT
Where: Taylor County, Campbellsville
Coordinates: 37.367, -85.328 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

County department of Emergency Service reports several trees down.

Hail, Pulaski

When: May 18, 7:45 PM EDT
Where: Pulaski County, Etna
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Coordinates: 37.104, -84.577 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Spotter reports golf ball-size hail.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pulaski

When: May 18, 8:00 PM EDT
Where: Pulaski County
Property damage: $50,000
Coordinates: 37.104, -84.577 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wind damage reported, roads blocked by trees. A tree was thrown through a mobile home, and funnel clouds spotted.

Tornado, Pulaski

When: May 18, 8:00 PM EDT
Where: Pulaski County
Rating: F1
Path length: 1 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Coordinates: 37.104, -84.577 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A tornado touched down at U.S. 80 and 461. A mobile home was damaged and several trees were blown down.

Hail, Laurel

When: May 18, 8:10 PM EDT
Where: Laurel County, London
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 37.111, -84.118 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tornado, Laurel

When: May 18, 8:10 PM EDT
Where: Laurel County, East Bernstat
Rating: F2
Path length: 3 mi
Path width: 300 yd
Property damage: $5.0 million
Coordinates: 37.111, -84.118 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A tornado touched down north of London. Buildings were damaged and trees were down. Sloan Furniture was destroyed.

Tornado, Clay

When: May 18, 8:10 PM EDT
Where: Clay County
Path length: 0.1 mi
Path width: 10 yd
Coordinates: 37.160, -83.715 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Breathitt

When: May 18, 8:15 PM EDT
Where: Breathitt County
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Coordinates: 37.522, -83.324 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Wolfe

When: May 18, 8:15 PM EDT
Where: Wolfe County
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 37.739, -83.493 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tornado, Breathitt

When: May 18, 8:25 PM EDT
Where: Breathitt County
Path length: 0.1 mi
Path width: 10 yd
Coordinates: 37.522, -83.324 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Magoffin

When: May 18, 8:30 PM EDT
Where: Magoffin County
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Coordinates: 37.707, -83.065 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Oldham

When: May 18, 8:30 PM EDT
Where: Oldham County, Buckner
Coordinates: 38.399, -85.448 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Sixty mph wind gusts reported by HAM radio operator.

Hail, Russell

When: May 18, 8:30 PM EDT
Where: Russell County
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Coordinates: 36.991, -85.059 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Trees and power lines down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Russell

When: May 18, 8:30 PM EDT
Where: Russell County
Coordinates: 36.991, -85.059 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Trees and power lines down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Perry

When: May 18, 8:45 PM EDT
Where: Perry County
Coordinates: 37.244, -83.221 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Henry

When: May 18, 9:00 PM EDT
Where: Henry County, Drennon Springs
Coordinates: 38.449, -85.119 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Trees downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Monroe

When: May 18, 7:00 PM CST
Where: Monroe County, Countywide
Property damage: $10,000
Coordinates: 36.712, -85.716 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Several trees were blown down across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Owsley

When: May 18, 9:00 PM EDT
Where: Owsley County
Coordinates: 37.419, -83.683 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Clay

When: May 18, 9:10 PM EDT
Where: Clay County
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Coordinates: 37.160, -83.715 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Leslie

When: May 18, 9:15 PM EDT
Where: Leslie County
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Coordinates: 37.094, -83.381 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Johnson

When: May 18, 8:18 PM EST
Where: Johnson County, Paintsville
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Coordinates: 37.847, -82.831 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Magoffin

When: May 18, 9:30 PM EDT
Where: Magoffin County
Coordinates: 37.707, -83.065 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Perry

When: May 18, 9:30 PM EDT
Where: Perry County
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Coordinates: 37.244, -83.221 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: May 18, 9:41 PM EDT
Where: Pike County
Coordinates: 37.469, -82.396 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Pike

When: May 18, 10:15 PM EDT
Where: Pike County
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Coordinates: 37.469, -82.396 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thunderstorm Wind, Clay

When: May 18, 10:29 PM EDT
Where: Clay County
Coordinates: 37.160, -83.715 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

What these are

Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Kentucky in 1995 Every state in 1995 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Kentucky, 1995 Warnings in Kentucky, May 1995

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 10325810, 10324948, 10325341, 10324940, 10324842, 10324885, 10325738, 10326298, 10324767, 10328388, 10324886, 10328311, 10324887, 10324888, 10324726, 10328379, 10328225, 10324805, 10324878, 990000010, 990000011, 990000012, 10328770, 990000013, 10327752, 10325628, 10328606, 10328234, 10328607, 10328608, 10328609, 10325445, 10324620, 10324779, 10324807, 10324634, 10324895, 10327744, 10328442, 10324832, and more.