Tornadoes and Hail in Kentucky, April 4, 2011

Name: Tornadoes and Hail in Kentucky, April 4, 2011
Start: 2011-04-04T14:42
End: 2011-04-04T17:52
Location: Kentucky

April 4, 2011 · NWS JKL · 79 events in 18 counties and zones

Widespread wind damage occurred across eastern Kentucky as a squall line moved across the area.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 1 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: 2
Property damage: $774,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 79

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 JKL wrote it up.

Widespread wind damage occurred across eastern Kentucky as a squall line moved across the area.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Jackson, KY wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 4, 1:06 PM EST, 1 hour 36 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Apr 4, 1:06 PM EST, 1 hour 36 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON KY
206 PM EDT MON APR 4 2011

.SHORT TERM.../TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY/...UPDATED

SURFACE ANALYSIS AS OF 1730Z HAS THE COLD FRONT JUST CROSSING INTO
WESTERN KENTUCKY WITH THE ASSOCIATED LINE OF STORMS QUICKLY
APPROACHING I-75 WITH ONSET IN JUST 1 TO 2 HOURS. WINDS REMAIN STRONG
OUT OF THE SOUTHWEST AT 25 TO 30 KNOTS. CONTINUING WITH A 3 PM TO 4
PM TIMING FOR CROSSING INTO THE JKL COUNTY WARNING AREA. AT THIS
TIME...THERE IS STILL SOME PEAKS OF SUN IN OUR EASTERN CWA. THIS HAS
ALLOWED SOME INSTABILITY TO DEVELOP ACROSS THE AREA FAVORABLE FOR
SOME INTENSIFICATION TO THE APPROACHING LINE OF STORMS.
THEREFORE...WE ARE STILL LOOKING AT STRAIGHT LINE WINDS WITH HEAVY
RAIN AND ISOLATED TORNADOES. SOME GOOD SHEAR WILL BE PRESENT THIS
LATE AFTERNOON AND EVENING SO THE TORNADO THREAT CAN'T BE RULED OUT.
HOWEVER...GIVEN THE NO SO ABUNDANT INSTABILITY...EXPECT THE STRONGER
STORMS TO BE EARLIER IN THE DAY.

WITH PWATS OF 1.2 TO 1.4 APPROACHING THE AREA...SOME QUICK HEAVY
RAINS WILL STILL BE LIKELY. THIS STORMS WILL HAVE THE CAPABILITY OR
PRODUCING AROUND AN INCH OF QPF ACROSS THE AREA.

TONIGHT INTO TUESDAY...SHORT TERM MODELS INDICATE FRONTAL PASSAGE
AROUND 03Z WITH WINDS SLACKING OFF SHORTLY AFTER. WHILE SOME SHOWERS
WILL STILL BE AROUND BEHIND THE FRONT...THINK THERE WILL BE A
DEFINITE ENDING TO PRECIP BY TUESDAY NOON.

.LONG TERM.../TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY/...UPDATED

THE MODELS THROUGH THE MEDIUM RANGE AND LONG TERM PORTION OF THE
FORECAST CONTINUE TO BE IN DECENT AGREEMENT ALOFT ADVERTISING A
PATTERN CHANGE THAT WILL FAVOR RIDGING IN THE SOUTHEAST AND
TROUGHING TO THE WEST. AS SUCH...THE EASTERN TROUGH WILL LIFT
NORTHEAST ON WEDNESDAY ALLOWING THE PATTERN TO FLATTEN AND BECOME
MORE RIDGE-LIKE OVER THE MIDWEST AND EAST TO THE TENNESSEE VALLEY.
THE RIDGE THEN HOLDS ITS OWN OVERHEAD INTO THURSDAY BEFORE
AMPLIFYING AND STRENGTHENING LOCALLY IN RESPONSE TO A LARGE TROUGH
DIVING INTO THE GREAT BASIN OUT WEST. AT THIS POINT THE MODEL
AGREEMENT STARTS TO WANE WITH THE GFS TAKING A BATCH OF ENERGY OUT
AHEAD OF THE WESTERN TROUGH AND INTO THE MIDWEST...THURSDAY NIGHT
AND INTO THE FIRST PART OF FRIDAY...THAT WILL FLATTEN THE NORTHERN
EXTENT OF THE RIDGE WHILE THE ECMWF KEEPS THIS ENERGY AND ITS AFFECT
ON THE RIDGE MUCH LESS SUBSTANTIAL. AS THE MAIN TROUGH SETTLES DEEP
INTO THE WESTERN UNITED STATES...ENERGY PACKETS WILL SWEEP NORTHEAST
THROUGH THE PLAINS AND INTO THE OHIO VALLEY JUST ABOVE THE RIDGE
LATER FRIDAY AND INTO SATURDAY. THE RIDGE SHOULD PROVIDE SOME
MODICUM OF PROTECTION FROM CONVECTION THROUGHOUT EAST KENTUCKY INTO
THE WEEKEND...BUT ON THE FLIP SIDE ITS NORTHERN EXTENT WILL ALSO
SERVE AS A FOCUS FOR POTENTIAL MCS ACTIVITY...ANY OF WHICH COULD
BRUSH SOUTH AND INTO EAST KENTUCKY. LATER INTO THE WEEKEND THE UPPER
TROUGH TO THE WEST WILL START TO WORK ITS WAY EAST AND LIKEWISE SEND
MORE ENERGY INTO THE OHIO VALLEY. THIS TROUGH IS MORE PROGRESSIVE IN
THE LATEST GFS THAN THE PREFERRED EARLIER ECMWF. FOLLOWING THE
SLOWER SOLUTION...THE UPPER RIDGE SHOULD HOLD OVER EAST KENTUCKY
INTO MONDAY...THOUGH THE TROUGH WILL LIKELY BE IMPINGING ON THE AREA
BY THE END OF THE FORECAST...MONDAY. FOR THE FIRST PART OF THE
FORECAST...ESSENTIALLY TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THE REST OF THE WORK
WEEK...HAVE GONE WITH AN EVENLY BLENDED SOLUTION FROM THE GFS AND
ECMWF FOLLOWED BY A LARGER LEAN TOWARD THE ECMWF FOR THE WEEKEND AND
INTO NEXT MONDAY.

SENSIBLE WEATHER WILL FEATURE A WARM AND LATE SPRING-LIKE PATTERN
WITH A DIURNAL COMPONENT TO POP CHANCES FOR THE LATTER PART OF THE
FORECAST AS MOST SYNOPTIC FEATURES WILL BE JUST NORTH OF THE AREA. A
BROAD AREA OF HIGH PRESSURE MOVES INTO THE SOUTHEAST PORTION OF THE
NATION ON WEDNESDAY WHILE THE STORM TRACK AND A DEVELOPING BOUNDARY
WILL BE FOUND FURTHER TO THE NORTH...CLOSER TO THE GREAT LAKES. A
PASSING SFC WAVE SHOULD MOVE OFF TO THE NORTHEAST WITH LITTLE IMPACT
TO THE AREA OTHER THAN AN INCREASE IN CLOUDS INTO THURSDAY MORNING.
BY MIDDAY THURSDAY THE SOUTHEAST HIGH WILL HAVE WEAKENED AND MOVED
EAST ALLOWING FOR A RETURN FLOW OF MOISTURE TO MOVE INTO THE OHIO
VALLEY AND WESTERN TENNESSEE VALLEY. AT THE SAME TIME...GENERAL LOW
PRESSURE OVER THE UPPER MIDWEST WILL KEEP THE THREAT OF CONVECTION
MAINLY NORTH AND WEST OF THE CWA FOR THE BULK OF THE DAY THURSDAY...
THOUGH A DEVELOPING WARM FRONT WILL BE MOVING INTO THE AREA BY
FRIDAY MORNING AND WARRANTS A SMALL CHANCE OF CONVECTION. IN THE
WARM AND UNSTABLE ENVIRONMENT SOUTH OF THIS STRENGTHENING
BOUNDARY...MAINLY DIURNALLY DRIVEN...SCATTERED SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS CAN BE EXPECTED INTO THE WEEKEND. EVEN SO...THE BULK
OF THE AREA WILL PROBABLY STAY DRY...EXCEPT IF A DECENT MCS IS ABLE
TO DEVELOP AND IGNORE THE MEAGER PROTECTION OFFERED BY THE UPPER
RIDGE AND WEAK SFC HIGH PRESSURE. SINCE MCS ACTIVITY IS HARD TO TIME
THIS FAR OUT IN THE FORECAST HAVE HAD TO RELUCTANTLY INCLUDE LOW
CHANCE POPS THROUGH MUCH OF THE LATTER PART OF THE EXTENDED. LATER
ON FOR SUNDAY NIGHT AND INTO MONDAY...THE EASTWARD DRIFTING UPPER
TROUGH WILL SPAWN A SFC LOW OVER THE UPPER MIDWEST...AND A COLD
FRONT FROM THIS MAY THREATEN THE AREA ON MONDAY. WITH CONFIDENCE IN
THIS SPECIFIC SOLUTION RATHER LOW WILL MAINTAIN A SMALL CHANCE OF
CONVECTION AND TEMPERATURES ON THE WARM SIDE OF NORMAL.

FOR TEMPERATURES...GENERALLY CONCURRED WITH THE NUMBERS FROM HPC AND
ADDED MAINLY TERRAIN BASED ADJUSTMENTS TO THEM AT NIGHT...
ANTICIPATING A FAIRLY NORMAL RIDGE TO VALLEY TEMPERATURE SPLIT EACH
NIGHT. AS FOR POPS...CONTINUED TO UNDERCUT THE MEX NUMBERS UNTIL
THERE APPEARS MORE DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT ON THE SUB SYNOPTIC FEATURES
THAT WOULD AFFECT THE TIMING AND PLACEMENT OF CONVECTION THROUGH
THE WEEKEND.

&&

.AVIATION.../18Z TO 18Z/

WINDS ACROSS THE AREA WERE OUT OF THE SOUTHWEST AND GUSTING TO 25 TO
30 KNOTS AS OF 16Z. THE COLD FRONT WAS STILL OUT WEST JUST CROSSING
THE IL/KY STATE LINE WITH A LINE OF THUNDERSTORMS SLIGHTLY AHEAD OF
THE FRONT INTO WESTERN KY AND CENTRAL IN. STILL EXPECTING INCREASE IN
WINDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PREFRONTAL TROUGH AND LINE OF STORMS BY 18Z
TO 20Z. THEREFORE...EXPRESSED THAT IN THE TAFS WITH A SLIGHTLY SOONER
ARRIVAL TIME FOR LOZ AND SME. PRETTY MUCH MVFR AND IFR CONDITIONS
WILL LAST THROUGH THE EVENING AND TONIGHT WITH SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS. FRONTAL PASSAGE WILL OCCUR BY 03Z TONIGHT WITH THE
ASSOCIATED WIND SHIFT. VFR CONDITIONS SHOULD RETURN TO THE AREA
BETWEEN 12Z AND 14Z.

&&

.JKL WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WIND ADVISORY UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT FOR KYZ044-050>052-
058>060-068-069-079-080-083>088-104-106>120.

&&

SHORT TERM...SHALLENBERGER
LONG TERM...GREIF
AVIATION...SHALLENBERGER

Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 4, 2:34 PM EST, 8 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON KY
334 PM EDT MON APR 4 2011

KYZ044-050>052-058>060-068-069-079-080-083>087-104-106>117-119-120-
052245-
FLEMING-MONTGOMERY-BATH-ROWAN-ESTILL-POWELL-MENIFEE-ROCKCASTLE-
JACKSON-PULASKI-LAUREL-WAYNE-MCCREARY-WHITLEY-KNOX-BELL-ELLIOTT-
MORGAN-JOHNSON-WOLFE-MAGOFFIN-FLOYD-LEE-BREATHITT-KNOTT-OWSLEY-PERRY-
CLAY-LESLIE-MARTIN-PIKE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FLEMINGSBURG...MOUNT STERLING...
OWINGSVILLE...MOREHEAD...IRVINE...STANTON...FRENCHBURG...
MOUNT VERNON...MCKEE...SOMERSET...LONDON...MONTICELLO...
WHITLEY CITY...CORBIN...WILLIAMSBURG...BARBOURVILLE...MIDDLESBORO...
PINEVILLE...SANDY HOOK...WEST LIBERTY...PAINTSVILLE...CAMPTON...
SALYERSVILLE...PRESTONSBURG...BEATTYVILLE...JACKSON...HINDMAN...
BOONEVILLE...HAZARD...MANCHESTER...HYDEN...INEZ...PIKEVILLE
334 PM EDT MON APR 4 2011

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT...
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 94 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF EASTERN KENTUCKY.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED THROUGHOUT THIS EVENING AND TONIGHT. SOME
STORMS COULD PRODUCE DAMAGING WIND GUSTS. LARGE HAIL AND ISOLATED
TORNADOES WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE DURING THE EVENING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

ADDITIONAL THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE FROM THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH
SUNDAY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT ANY INSTANCES OF SEVERE WEATHER
THIS EVENING.

KYZ088-118-052245-
HARLAN-LETCHER-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...HARLAN...WHITESBURG
334 PM EDT MON APR 4 2011

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT...
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 94 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF EASTERN KENTUCKY.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

SOUTH WINDS WILL GUST UP TO 50 MPH THIS EVENING ON EXPOSED HIGH
ELEVATION RIDGES...AND UP TO 45 MPH IN THE VALLEYS THIS EVENING.

THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED THROUGHOUT THIS EVENING AND TONIGHT. SOME
STORMS COULD PRODUCE DAMAGING WIND GUSTS. LARGE HAIL AND ISOLATED
TORNADOES WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE DURING THE EVENING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

ADDITIONAL THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE FROM THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH
SUNDAY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT ANY INSTANCES OF SEVERE WEATHER
THIS EVENING.

AR/SHALLENBERGER

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Apr 4, 2:37 PM EST, 5 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON KY
337 PM EDT MON APR 4 2011

KYZ110-113-118-120-042015-
FLOYD-PIKE-KNOTT-LETCHER-
337 PM EDT MON APR 4 2011

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM TO AFFECT THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES THROUGH 415
PM EDT MONDAY AFTERNOON...

   SOUTHEASTERN FLOYD...
   PIKE...
   EAST CENTRAL KNOTT AND
   NORTHEASTERN LETCHER.

AT 336 PM EDT...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED NEAR DEMOCRAT...OR
9 MILES NORTH OF WHITESBURG...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 70 MPH.

LOCATIONS AFFECTED INCLUDE...BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO...GALVESTON
AROUND 345 PM EDT...SHELBIANA AROUND 350 PM EDT...KIMPER AROUND 355
PM EDT...MCANDREWS AROUND 400 PM EDT...HARDY AROUND 405 PM EDT...

RESIDENTS SHOULD EXPECT HEAVY RAIN...WITH RAINFALL RATES OF UP TO ONE
INCH PER HOUR...GUSTY WINDS UP TO 50 MPH...FREQUENT LIGHTNING AND
PENNY SIZE HAIL IN THESE AREAS.

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM EDT MONDAY
EVENING FOR EASTERN KENTUCKY.

JP

The radar

The Jackson,KY radar (KJKL), 67 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:40 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

71 thunderstorm wind, 3 funnel cloud, 2 hail, 2 tornado, 1 strong wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Pike

When: April 4, 2:42 PM EST to 2:52 PM EST
Where: Pike County, 1.79 mi WSW of Elswick
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.290, -82.650

The hail fell at Marshall Branch of Long Fork and was the size of quarters.

Funnel Cloud, Pulaski

When: April 4, 2:50 PM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where: Pulaski County, 1.1 mi W of Nancy
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.070, -84.750

The event occurred between 320 and 350pm.

Strong Wind, Letcher

When: April 4, 3:00 PM EST to 3:15 PM EST
Where: Letcher forecast zone
Measured: 45 kt (52 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.121, -82.855 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A metal frame car port was picked up by high winds and blown into a power line in Fleming-Neon.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rowan

When: April 4, 3:13 PM EST to 3:23 PM EST
Where: Rowan County, 0.88 mi NW of Morehead
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.190, -83.440

Downed power lines were reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wayne

When: April 4, 3:30 PM EST to 3:40 PM EST
Where: Wayne County, 0.69 mi S of Monticello Wayne Arp
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.840, -84.850

There were trees down countywide. Multiple roads were blocked due to storm damage. Some of the roads that were blocked include Kentucky 1275, 833, 92, 2393, 167, 776, 200.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pulaski

When: April 4, 3:30 PM EST to 3:40 PM EST
Where: Pulaski County, 0.63 mi WSW of Dabney
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 37.178, -84.541

According to reports received by WKYT and the Commonwealth Journal in Somerset, KY, a residential trailer located on Hwy 1317 three miles northwest of Shopville sustained major damage due to thunderstorm wind gusts.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pulaski

When: April 4, 3:35 PM EST to 3:45 PM EST
Where: Pulaski County, Ferguson
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 37.070, -84.600

A resident of Ferguson sustained damage to her house and had trees blown down on her property due to thunderstorm wind gusts.

Hail, Pulaski

When: April 4, 3:39 PM EST to 3:49 PM EST
Where: Pulaski County, 0.88 mi SW of Pulaski
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.210, -84.640

Quarter size hail fell in Pulaski.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pulaski

When: April 4, 3:40 PM EST to 3:50 PM EST
Where: Pulaski County, 1.1 mi W of Science Hill
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.180, -84.640

A carport was blown over and destroyed near the intersection of 27 and 635.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pulaski

When: April 4, 3:40 PM EST to 3:50 PM EST
Where: Pulaski County, Somerset
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.100, -84.600

A trained spotter reported an estimated thunderstorm wind gust of 70 mph in Somerset.

Thunderstorm Wind, McCreary

When: April 4, 3:45 PM EST to 3:50 PM EST
Where: McCreary County, Stearns
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: State Official
Coordinates: 36.700, -84.470

The superintendent of McCreary county schools reported that the McCreary County Middle sustained damage from the storm. Several ridge caps were torn from the roof of the school and the press box at the football field was completely ripped off the bleachers.

Thunderstorm Wind, Laurel

When: April 4, 3:55 PM EST to 4:05 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, 0.88 mi SW of Keavy
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.990, -84.180

There were power lines down on Level Green road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Laurel

When: April 4, 3:55 PM EST to 4:05 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, 0.88 mi SW of Hare
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.190, -84.160

There were numerous trees and power lines down near Hawk Creek.

Thunderstorm Wind, McCreary

When: April 4, 3:55 PM EST to 4:05 PM EST
Where: McCreary County, 1.77 mi NE of Marshes Siding
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.750, -84.450

There were trees blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pulaski

When: April 4, 3:55 PM EST to 4:05 PM EST
Where: Pulaski County, Eubank
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.280, -84.650

There were 4 to 5 sections of a cemented down 8 foot fence uprooted.

Thunderstorm Wind, Whitley

When: April 4, 3:55 PM EST to 4:05 PM EST
Where: Whitley County, 1.77 mi NE of Rye
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.940, -84.180

There were power lines down on Lakeside road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Whitley

When: April 4, 3:55 PM EST to 4:05 PM EST
Where: Whitley County, 1.3 mi ESE of Krupp
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.790, -84.230

A roof was blown completely off a house 5 miles northwest of Williamsburg.

Thunderstorm Wind, Laurel

When: April 4, 3:57 PM EST to 4:07 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, 1.1 mi W of London
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.130, -84.100

There were power lines and trees down on County Farm Road 1 mile west of London.

Thunderstorm Wind, Whitley

When: April 4, 3:57 PM EST to 4:07 PM EST
Where: Whitley County, 2.16 mi NW of Faber
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.900, -84.160

A large tree fell on a man while he was mowing his lawn 4 miles southwest of Corbin.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rowan

When: April 4, 3:58 PM EST to 4:08 PM EST
Where: Rowan County, 0.88 mi NW of Morehead
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.190, -83.440

Downed power lines were reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Whitley

When: April 4, 4:00 PM EST to 4:10 PM EST
Where: Whitley County, 0.69 mi N of Williamsburg
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $40,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.740, -84.170

There were trees, power lines, and buildings damaged at Tacket Creek road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Laurel

When: April 4, 4:01 PM EST to 4:11 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, 0.55 mi W of North Corbin
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.970, -84.110

An abandoned mobile home's roof was ripped off.

Thunderstorm Wind, Laurel

When: April 4, 4:01 PM EST to 4:11 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, 1.3 mi ESE of Pine Grove
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.060, -84.080

There were power lines and trees down on Topton road 5 miles south of London.

Thunderstorm Wind, Laurel

When: April 4, 4:01 PM EST to 4:11 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, London
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.130, -84.080

A tree fell on a vehicle.

Thunderstorm Wind, Laurel

When: April 4, 4:01 PM EST to 4:11 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, 2.31 mi ENE of East Bernstadt
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.190, -84.080

A trampoline was blown into some power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind, Whitley

When: April 4, 4:01 PM EST to 4:11 PM EST
Where: Whitley County, 0.88 mi SW of Corbin
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.940, -84.110

There were some power lines that fell on trucks.

Thunderstorm Wind, Whitley

When: April 4, 4:01 PM EST to 4:11 PM EST
Where: Whitley County, 0.55 mi W of Corbin
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.950, -84.110

There was damage at the Corbin travel Plaza. The truck garage roof was blown off. There were down power lines that damaged and burned one truck and the garage door fell and damaged other trucks.

Thunderstorm Wind, Laurel

When: April 4, 4:01 PM EST to 4:11 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, London
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.130, -84.080

A building was damaged by thunderstorm wind gusts in London.

Thunderstorm Wind, Laurel

When: April 4, 4:01 PM EST to 4:11 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, London
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.130, -84.080

Heavy damage occurred at the South Laurel little league fields.

Thunderstorm Wind, Laurel

When: April 4, 4:01 PM EST to 4:11 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, London
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.130, -84.080

A tree landed on a vehicle on Old Whitley Road in London after being blown down by thunderstorm wind gusts.

Thunderstorm Wind, Laurel

When: April 4, 4:01 PM EST to 4:11 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, 2 mi N of Corbin London Arpt
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.109, -84.080

A gutter was blown down into electric lines.

Thunderstorm Wind, Whitley

When: April 4, 4:01 PM EST to 4:11 PM EST
Where: Whitley County, 1 mi N of Corbin
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.965, -84.100

Power lines were blown down and power poles broken by thunderstorm wind gusts.

Thunderstorm Wind, Knox

When: April 4, 4:01 PM EST to 4:16 PM EST
Where: Knox County, Barbourville
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.870, -83.880

An estimated thunderstorm wind gust of 65mph occurred in Barbourville between 501 and 516 pm EDT.

Thunderstorm Wind, Laurel

When: April 4, 4:02 PM EST to 4:12 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, London
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.130, -84.080

Power lines were blown down at the intersection of KY 1006 and KY 363 in London.

Thunderstorm Wind, Whitley

When: April 4, 4:02 PM EST to 4:08 PM EST
Where: Whitley County, Williamsburg
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.730, -84.170

A barn was leveled on Bray Chapel Road in Williamsburg, possibly by a tornado.

Tornado, Whitley

When: April 4, 4:03 PM EST to 4:06 PM EST
Where: Whitley County, 1.38 mi WNW of Clio to 0.6 mi NE of Clio
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1.74 mi
Path width: 880 yd
Property damage: $200,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 36.825, -84.224

The tornado touched down northwest of Williamsburg Kentucky along Brays Chapel Road and remained on the ground until just west of Airport Road. The tornado crossed highway 25W and Kentucky 204 while downing and uprooting many trees and causing significant damage to several barns and outbuildings along its path. Additional straight line wind damage occurred just east of where the tornado lifted from around airport road east over Interstate 75. The tornado's maximum wind speeds were estimated between 90 and 95 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Laurel

When: April 4, 4:03 PM EST to 4:10 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, 0.69 mi S of Lily
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.020, -84.080

Power lines and trees were blown down on Van Zant Road in Lily.

Thunderstorm Wind, Whitley

When: April 4, 4:03 PM EST to 4:10 PM EST
Where: Whitley County, 0.55 mi E of Williamsburg Arpt
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 36.830, -84.170

Just north of mile marker 17 along interstate 75 there were several large trees down. There was also a roof that was partially blown off a barn.

Thunderstorm Wind, Whitley

When: April 4, 4:03 PM EST to 4:10 PM EST
Where: Whitley County, 0.88 mi SW of Corbin
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 36.940, -84.110

A large air conditioner unit on top of department was picked up and slammed back down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Laurel

When: April 4, 4:04 PM EST to 4:14 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, 6 mi SE of London
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.069, -84.003

A part of a building was blown off.

Thunderstorm Wind, Laurel

When: April 4, 4:04 PM EST to 4:14 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, London
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.130, -84.080

There were trees and power lines down on Parker road. There was a possible funnel cloud in the area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Laurel

When: April 4, 4:05 PM EST to 4:10 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, 6 mi NE of Corbin London Arpt
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.141, -84.003

Trees and power lines were blown down 6 miles northeast of Corbin. A road in the area was closed for a short period of time while the trees were cleared.

Thunderstorm Wind, Laurel

When: April 4, 4:05 PM EST to 4:08 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, London
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 37.130, -84.080

Thunderstorm wind gust of 58 mph was measured by the London automated surface observation station (ASOS).

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When: April 4, 4:07 PM EST to 4:17 PM EST
Where: Jackson County, Annville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.320, -83.970

A few trees were blown down in Annville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Knox

When: April 4, 4:10 PM EST to 4:20 PM EST
Where: Knox County, Gray
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 36.950, -84.000

Part of the roof of a barn were ripped from the structure and strewn across a nearby field.

Thunderstorm Wind, Knox

When: April 4, 4:13 PM EST to 4:20 PM EST
Where: Knox County, Barbourville
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 36.870, -83.880

Numerous trees and large limbs were downed by thunderstorm wind gusts in Barbourville. Two large trees were felled near the intersection of North Main and School Streets. One of the trees fell onto a parked truck, causing substantial damage to the vehicle.

Funnel Cloud, Laurel

When: April 4, 4:15 PM EST to 4:22 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, London
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.130, -84.080

A funnel cloud was seen traveling northeast over London.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wolfe

When: April 4, 4:15 PM EST to 4:25 PM EST
Where: Wolfe County, 2.45 mi SSE of Malaga
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.687, -83.413

A tree was blown down along Hwy 1812 south of Malaga.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clay

When: April 4, 4:20 PM EST to 4:30 PM EST
Where: Clay County, Manchester
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 37.150, -83.750

Large fast food signs were blown away by thunderstorm wind gusts along the Hal Rogers Parkway in Manchester.

Thunderstorm Wind, Whitley

When: April 4, 4:23 PM EST to 4:33 PM EST
Where: Whitley County, 0.88 mi SW of Corbin
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.940, -84.110

A tree fell down on a vehicle. The driver was injured.

Thunderstorm Wind, Knox

When: April 4, 4:23 PM EST to 4:25 PM EST
Where: Knox County, 3 mi E of Barbourville
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 36.870, -83.826

A 59 mph thunderstorm wind gust was measured by the mesonet site 3 miles east of Barbourville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Breathitt

When: April 4, 4:35 PM EST to 4:45 PM EST
Where: Breathitt County, 5 mi E of Jackson
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 37.550, -83.289

Three large limbs were blown down along KY Hwy 30 between mile markers 19 and 23 east of Jackson.

Thunderstorm Wind, Leslie

When: April 4, 4:38 PM EST to 4:45 PM EST
Where: Leslie County, 1.1 mi W of Mozelle
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.000, -83.400

A front porch was blown off a house. There were multiple trees down across the area. There was also a report of a utility pole blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Magoffin

When: April 4, 4:40 PM EST to 4:41 PM EST
Where: Magoffin County, Flat Fork
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.830, -83.030

A trained storm spotter measured a thunderstorm wind gust of 60 mph near Flat Fork.

Thunderstorm Wind, Magoffin

When: April 4, 4:40 PM EST to 4:50 PM EST
Where: Magoffin County, Salyersville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 37.750, -83.070

Three trees were blown down across Salyersville and power lines were blown down along Route 40 to Paintsville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Magoffin

When: April 4, 4:45 PM EST to 4:55 PM EST
Where: Magoffin County, 4 mi ESE of Salyersville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 37.728, -83.002

Large limbs were blown down along KY Hwy 114 between mile markers 0 and 1 four miles east southeast of Salyersville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Breathitt

When: April 4, 4:45 PM EST to 4:50 PM EST
Where: Breathitt County, 1 mi W of Watts
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.450, -83.338

Trees were blown down on Todd Hollow Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Whitley

When: April 4, 4:52 PM EST to 5:02 PM EST
Where: Whitley County, Corbin
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 36.950, -84.100

Trees and power lines were blown down in Corbin.

Funnel Cloud, Johnson

When: April 4, 5:00 PM EST
Where: Johnson County, 1 mi W of Paintsville
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.820, -82.818

At around 6 pm EDT a rotating wall cloud was observed moving toward Paintsville. Heavy rain and strong winds were occurring at the time as well.

Thunderstorm Wind, Knott

When: April 4, 5:04 PM EST to 5:05 PM EST
Where: Knott County, 5 mi N of Hindman
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 37.402, -82.980

The mesonet site 5 miles north of Hindman measured a thunderstorm wind gust of 69 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Floyd

When: April 4, 5:15 PM EST to 5:25 PM EST
Where: Floyd County, Dana
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.550, -82.700

Several trees were snapped and a home suffered minor damage in Dana.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 5:15 PM EST to 5:25 PM EST
Where: Pike County, 2.38 mi N of Wales
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.364, -82.652

A tree was blown down blocking John Brown Fork Road 2 miles east southeast of Ligon.

Thunderstorm Wind, Johnson

When: April 4, 5:18 PM EST to 5:28 PM EST
Where: Johnson County, 0.55 mi E of Dobson
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 37.750, -82.870

There power lines and many tree limbs down near Floyd and Johnson county line.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 5:20 PM EST to 5:30 PM EST
Where: Pike County, Coal Run
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.520, -82.570

The roof was blown off the Roller Skate Center at Mullins.

Tornado, Floyd

When: April 4, 5:21 PM EST to 5:26 PM EST
Where: Floyd County, 1.79 mi ESE of Beaver
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.4 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.390, -82.640

The storm survey team confirmed an EF1 tornado touched down 2.7 miles south of Teaberry in extreme southeastern Floyd county Monday April 4th. The estimated max winds were around 90 MPH. The path length was 0.4 miles with a path width of 100 yards. The tornado touched down on Smokey Branch and destroyed a trailer home and downed close to 100 trees.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 5:23 PM EST to 5:33 PM EST
Where: Pike County, Coal Run
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.520, -82.570

Thunderstorm wind gusts caused damage to the roof of the Pepsi plant in Coal Run.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 5:23 PM EST to 5:33 PM EST
Where: Pike County, 3 mi SW of Pikeville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.449, -82.559

A tree was blown down onto a gas line, causing it to begin leaking.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 5:25 PM EST to 5:30 PM EST
Where: Pike County, 2 mi NNW of Pikeville
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.507, -82.534

Traffic lights were blown down at the intersection of US Hwy 119 and US Hwy 23.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 5:25 PM EST to 5:30 PM EST
Where: Pike County, 4 mi NE of Virgie
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.371, -82.528

Trees were blown down onto power lines 4 miles northeast of Virgie.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 5:25 PM EST to 5:30 PM EST
Where: Pike County, 1 mi S of Coal Run
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.505, -82.570

Two large trees were blown down along Hwy 23 near Coal Run.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 5:25 PM EST to 5:30 PM EST
Where: Pike County, Coal Run
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.520, -82.570

Roofs of the buildings in a self storage facility were damaged by thunderstorm wind gusts. The roof of a machine shop in Coal Run was also damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 5:25 PM EST to 5:35 PM EST
Where: Pike County, 1 mi N of Pikeville
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.495, -82.520

Shingles were blown off the roof of a house. Multiple trees were blown down in a nearby neighborhood.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 5:25 PM EST to 5:35 PM EST
Where: Pike County, 1 mi NE of Zebulon
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.540, -82.457

A tree was blown down onto some power lines and into the road half a mile up Racoon Creek.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 5:25 PM EST to 5:35 PM EST
Where: Pike County, Shelbiana
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 37.430, -82.500

The roof was blown off of a home in Shelbiana. Power lines and trees were also blown down in the area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 5:25 PM EST to 5:35 PM EST
Where: Pike County, Pikeville
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.480, -82.520

Several trees were blown down along Hwy 1426 in Pikeville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 5:30 PM EST to 5:38 PM EST
Where: Pike County, 1 mi NW of Raccoon
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.510, -82.463

Power lines were blown onto a house along Frozen Creek near Raccoon.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 5:35 PM EST to 5:38 PM EST
Where: Pike County, 4 mi NE of Meta
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.611, -82.378

A trained spotter reported an estimated thunderstorm wind gust of 60-70 mph 4 miles northeast of Meta.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 5:38 PM EST to 5:45 PM EST
Where: Pike County, 1 mi SSE of Mc Andrews
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.557, -82.263

A tree was blown down on KY 1056 near the mouth of Ball Fork Hollow.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pike

When: April 4, 5:45 PM EST to 5:52 PM EST
Where: Pike County, Belfry
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.620, -82.270

Large tree limbs were blown down in Belfry.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Funnel Cloud: A rotating column of cloud extending from a thunderstorm that did not reach the ground.
Strong Wind: Non-thunderstorm winds below high wind criteria that nonetheless caused damage or casualties.
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.
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 2011 Every state in 2011 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Kentucky, 2011 Warnings in Kentucky, April 2011

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: 283264, 283261, 301040, 283267, 283268, 301880, 301872, 283265, 283269, 301041, 301903, 283270, 283271, 283272, 283273, 284417, 284418, 284419, 284420, 283266, 284429, 284421, 284423, 284424, 284425, 284426, 284427, 301043, 301044, 301054, 301056, 301060, 301072, 301064, 301066, 282179, 284428, 284431, 284432, 284433, and more.