Kentucky, 2013Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Kentucky, December 21 to 23, 2013
December 21 to 23, 2013 · NWS LMK · 54 events in 28 counties and zones
A deep trough embedded within the southern stream of the jet combined with unseasonably rich moisture to bring widespread flooding and a regional severe weather outbreak to the Lower Ohio Valley during the afternoon and evening of December 21st. Heavy rains, on the order of 2 to locally as much as 3 inches, developed during the morning hours across southern Indiana and the Kentucky counties…
Every event with a place to put it. 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
- Deaths
- 3
- Injuries
- 2
- Property damage
- $597,000
- Crop damage
- None recorded
- Events
- 54
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.
A deep trough embedded within the southern stream of the jet combined with unseasonably rich moisture to bring widespread flooding and a regional severe weather outbreak to the Lower Ohio Valley during the afternoon and evening of December 21st. Heavy rains, on the order of 2 to locally as much as 3 inches, developed during the morning hours across southern Indiana and the Kentucky counties along the Ohio River. These heavy rains, augmented by a December record 1.7 inches of precipitable water, developed along a stationary front that lay along but just north of the Ohio River from Cairo, IL to Cincinnati. These early rains, combined with thunderstorms during the afternoon and early evening, brought areal and river flooding to north central Kentucky.
By early afternoon, low pressure deepened as it moved northeast across central Illinois and northern Indiana. Rains ceased by mid-day as central Kentucky fell within the warm sector of the developing cyclone. Record high temperatures in the lower 70s arrived by early evening. A severe squall line developed by mid-afternoon from southern Illinois southwards along the Mississippi River. This line of storms, fueled by ample moisture and an exceptionally strong low level jet in excess of 50 kts, became severe as it moved across southern Indiana and central Kentucky during the evening hours. Three circulations within this line produced tornadoes across central Kentucky and the Bluegrass Region. For the Louisville weather office, these 3 December tornadoes were the first observed since 1971. This line also brought widespread damaging winds, especially to the Bluegrass Region and Hart and Barren Counties in Central Kentucky.
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 Louisville, KY wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Dec 21, 11:41 AM EST, 19 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Dec 21, 11:41 AM EST, 19 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY
1141 AM EST Sat Dec 21 2013
...Forecast Update...
Issued at 1139 AM EST Sat Dec 21 2013
The large expansive swath of rain continues across southern Indiana
late this morning with more showery precipitation and a few
thunderstorms across north central Kentucky. It still looks like the
precipitation shield should move north through the afternoon hours
as the low pressure lifts to the northeast. As this happens winds
should become gusty a bit further north as well. Just made some
adjustments to the precipitation and temperature grids based on
current trends.
Issued at 628 AM EST Sat Dec 21 2013
Quick update this morning to account for ongoing trends. A heavy
slug of rainfall is pushing northeast from western KY into southern
IN this morning. There have been a few reports of ditches beginning
to fill across western KY (PAH CWA) due to this rainfall. Thus,
have moved up the start time of the Flood Watch. Still think the
heaviest rains and best flooding potential will come with the second
wave of low pressure which will arrive this evening into the
overnight hours.
Hi-res guidance continues to suggest that much of the region will
see a lull in the precipitation late this morning into the afternoon
hours. This makes sense, as the mid/upper flow ahead of the
ejecting wave will become more meridional, thus giving a more
northerly component to the precip shield than what is currently
ongoing. Southern IN will likely stay within the precip, but think
KY will only see a few isolated/scattered showers or thunderstorms
this afternoon. By this evening, instability will build out ahead
of the approaching low and associated cold front, leading to the
development of a squall line, likely a QLCS. This line will have
the potential to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and even an
isolated tornado or two, especially across southern KY. Will
continue to monitor the latest trends through the day and update the
forecast as necessary.
.SHORT TERM (Now through Sunday)...
Issued at 300 AM EST Sat Dec 21 2013
...THREAT FOR HEAVY RAINFALL...STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS...AND
GUSTY SYNOPTIC WINDS TODAY INTO TONIGHT...
The synoptic pattern early this morning features broad southwest
flow across much of the eastern CONUS, due to a large upstream
trough digging across the southern United States into northern
Mexico. A strong shortwave embedded within this trough will eject
northeast out into the Mississippi Valley today, inducing a strong
surface low which will ride northeast along a stalled frontal
boundary, currently draped from Fort Wayne, IN southwest into
Paducah, KY.
There will be several threats with this storm system today into
tonight as it approaches the region, which includes heavy rain,
strong synoptic winds, and the threat for severe weather. Let's
break each threat down one at a time.
..Heavy Rain Threat..
Will continue with the timing/placement of the ongoing Flood Watch.
The latest guidance continues to suggest that as the upper-level
flow turns more meridional this afternoon, the stalled frontal
boundary may slide a bit to the north, which could mean a break in
the precipitation for much of KY this afternoon as a slight capping
inversion and drier mid-level air briefly works in. It appears as
though southern IN (especially Dubois to Jefferson IN counties) will
remain in the best threat for precipitation throughout much of the
day into tonight, thus overall storm total precip of 3-4 inches
still appears likely there. Further south into KY, this expected
break may allow for slightly lower totals, with 2-3 inches right
along the Ohio River, quickly tapering off to 1-2 inches across
central and southern KY. The heaviest of the precipitation will
come this evening into tonight, as the aforementioned surface low
rides up the stalled front. With PWATs near record highs (around
1.6-1.8 inches) and warm cloud depths up around 13k feet, any
convection that can develop will be highly efficient
rain-producers. Therefore, will need to keep an eye on some
flash-flooding potential today/tonight, as well as some minor river
flooding as we head into early next week.
..Severe Weather Threat..
Confidence is increasing that a squall line, likely a QLCS, will
impact the region early this evening into the overnight as the
surface low approaches the region. The latest hi-res guidance is
adamant in lifting the warm front far enough north to place the
entire region within an unstable warm sector. Just how unstable
this warm sector becomes remains the big question, and will likely
affect the magnitude of the severe threat. The operational
GFS/ECMWF depict 100-300 J/kg of SBCAPE, while the hi-res guidance
hints at 300-600 J/kg. Tend to side on the hi-res guidance in these
mesoscale events, as the GFS/ECMWF typically don't have the
resolution to resolve a thin gradient of instability associated with
low-level moisture transport that typically occurs just ahead of
these strongly forced systems. The SREF and the GEFS ensembles each
show >50% probabilities of exceeding 250 J/kg all the way up to the
Ohio River, with southern KY >90%. Given the degree of kinematic
energy in the lower levels, think damaging winds will be the main
threat. However, an isolated tornado or two is certainly possible
given the degree of low-level shear and effective storm-relative
helicity values, especially if higher instability can be realized.
..Synoptic Wind Threat..
As the strong surface low approaches the region today, winds will
really crank up. Sustained winds will likely exceed 25 MPH at
times, with gusts pushing 40 MPH. If we do indeed see a lull in
precipitation this afternoon, gusts of around 40 MPH will become
even more likely as we mix a bit more. The current Wind Advisory
handles this latest thinking well, thus will continue as is.
The one enjoyable thing about all this crazy weather will be the
warm temperatures! With the expected lull in precipitation, have
bumped up highs from the previous forecast. This puts highs in the
upper 60s and lower 70s, putting many record highs in jeopardy.
For reference, record highs are:
Bowling Green: 71 1967
Louisville: 69 1967
Lexington: 71 1967
Frankfort: 70 1949
By early Sunday morning, the surface low will shift northeast of the
region, swinging a cold front through the region and quickly ending
the steadier precipitation from west to east. Temperatures will
likely fall into the upper 30s and 40s throughout the day on Sunday,
as colder air rushes in on the backside of the departing system.
.LONG TERM (Sunday night through Friday)...
Issued at 250 AM EST Sat Dec 21 2013
Sunday Night through Tuesday Night...
Surface cold front should be well to our east by Sunday night but we
will still be waiting for the upper trough to plow through the
region. Some residual moisture will remain in the column to support
some light rain showers Sunday night. As colder air pushes in these
rain showers will likely end up changing to some light snow showers
or flurries before ending Monday morning. Deep upper trough will
then remain over the region for Monday and eventually push off to
the east on Tuesday. Temperatures Monday and Tuesday will be quite
chilly. Highs on Monday look to warm int the lower 30s in the west
with middle 30s in the central and east. Lows Monday night will
drop back into the teens. Highs on Tuesday will be even colder with
readings warming into the middle to upper 20s. It will be a cold
but dry Christmas Eve with temperatures falling into the upper teens
to around 20.
Wednesday through Friday...
Latest guidance continues to be in fair agreement at the beginning
of the forecast period with increasing spreads beyond Wednesday.
Upper level pattern will be in a quick transition period as slight
amplification of the upper flow occurs over the Ohio Valley. Modest
ridging ahead of the next mid-level wave looks to be in place for
Christmas Day with dry and cold conditions. Highs Christmas Day
look to warm into the upper 30s to around 40 across southern Indiana
and northern Kentucky with lower 40s mainly across southern
Kentucky. Lows Christmas night look to drop into the mid-upper 20s.
Next weather maker in the form of the strong mid-level wave pushing
through the Great Lakes region will drag a surface cold front
through the region. This will result in an increase in clouds and
bring a chance of precipitation. Moisture profiles still look
rather meager as return flow out ahead of the advancing cold front
never really has a chance to get the atmosphere moistened up. Bulk
of lift will be well north of our area across the Great Lakes. At
this point, it appears that slight chance PoPs are still warranted
across our region. Will continue to run a rain/snow chance at this
point as temperatures will start off cool Thursday morning, but will
warm into the upper 30s to the lower 40s in advance of the front.
Temperatures will fall quick in the wake of the front with readings
Thursday night cooling into the lower 20s.
Friday looks to be mainly dry at this point as we will see another
bout of upper ridge in advance of the next trough approaching from
the west. High pressure at the surface should result in partly to
mostly sunny conditions but temperatures will be much more
seasonable with highs in the lower to middle 30s. Lows Friday night
look to cool into the lower to middle 20s.
&&
.AVIATION (12Z TAF Update)...
Updated at 600 AM EST Sat Dec 21 2013
Moist and gusty south-southwest flow will continue through the TAF
period. This moist flow continues to pump rain and even a few
embedded thunderstorms into the region this morning. After
widespread rains this morning, precipitation should become more
scattered by this afternoon as terminals become fully entrenched
within the warm sector of an approaching cyclone. As this occurs,
winds will really begin to pick up by late morning as mixing depth
increases. Sustained southerly winds around 20-23 knots with gusts
pushing 35 knots will be possible, especially if precip tapers off
as expected. In addition to the gusty winds, cigs will likely
remain right around the fuel-alternate threshold. With precip
tapering off, would not be surprised if some sites go above
fuel-alternate cigs for a time this afternoon, before conditions
deteriorate once again this evening.
A strong line of showers and thunderstorms will push through all
terminals this evening. Confidence in the development of this line
is high, however, confidence in specific timing is low. Will
continue to iron out the timing in coming forecasts, but a short
period of very gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and low cigs appears
likely this evening as this strong line quickly pushes through.
&&
.LMK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
KY...FLOOD WATCH through Sunday afternoon FOR KYZ023>034-038-061.
WIND ADVISORY until 4 AM EST /3 AM CST/ Sunday FOR KYZ024>043-
045>049-053>057-061>067-070>078-081-082.
IN...FLOOD WATCH through Sunday afternoon FOR INZ076>079-083-084-
089>092.
WIND ADVISORY until 4 AM EST Sunday FOR INZ078-079-090>092.
&&
Update.........EER/KJD
Short Term.....KJD
Long Term......MJ
Aviation.......KJDHazardous weather outlook, Dec 21, 6:19 AM EST, 5 hours 41 minutes before
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY
619 AM EST SAT DEC 21 2013
KYZ035>037-039>043-045>049-053>057-062>067-070>078-081-082-221130-
FRANKLIN KY-SCOTT KY-HARRISON KY-ANDERSON KY-WOODFORD KY-FAYETTE KY-
BOURBON KY-NICHOLAS KY-NELSON KY-WASHINGTON KY-MERCER KY-
JESSAMINE KY-CLARK KY-LARUE KY-MARION KY-BOYLE KY-GARRARD KY-
MADISON KY-EDMONSON KY-HART KY-GREEN KY-TAYLOR KY-CASEY KY-
LINCOLN KY-LOGAN KY-WARREN KY-SIMPSON KY-ALLEN KY-BARREN KY-
MONROE KY-METCALFE KY-ADAIR KY-RUSSELL KY-CUMBERLAND KY-CLINTON KY-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FRANKFORT...GEORGETOWN...CYNTHIANA...
LAWRENCEBURG...VERSAILLES...LEXINGTON...PARIS...CARLISLE...
BARDSTOWN...SPRINGFIELD...HARRODSBURG...NICHOLASVILLE...WINCHESTER...
HODGENVILLE...LEBANON...DANVILLE...LANCASTER...RICHMOND...
BROWNSVILLE...MUNFORDVILLE...GREENSBURG...CAMPBELLSVILLE...LIBERTY...
STANFORD...RUSSELLVILLE...BOWLING GREEN...FRANKLIN...SCOTTSVILLE...
GLASGOW...TOMPKINSVILLE...EDMONTON...COLUMBIA...JAMESTOWN...
BURKESVILLE...ALBANY
619 AM EST SAT DEC 21 2013 /519 AM CST SAT DEC 21 2013/
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON EST /11 AM CST/ TODAY TO 4 AM
EST /3 AM CST/ SUNDAY...
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTH CENTRAL
INDIANA AND CENTRAL KENTUCKY.
.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.
A LINE OF THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT THE REGION EARLY THIS EVENING
INTO THE FIRST PART OF THE OVERNIGHT HOURS. DAMAGING WINDS AND
HEAVY RAINFALL WILL BE THE MAIN THREATS WITH THESE STORMS...BUT AN
ISOLATED TORNADO OR TWO WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE.
EVEN OUTSIDE OF ANY SHOWERS AND STORMS...STRONG SOUTHERLY WINDS ARE
EXPECTED THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT...WITH GUSTS NEAR
40 MPH AT TIMES.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.
NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAY BE NEEDED EARLY THIS EVENING INTO THE
OVERNIGHT HOURS.
&&
MORE INFORMATION...ALONG WITH OTHER WEATHER...HYDROLOGICAL AND
CLIMATE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND...AT WEATHER.GOV/LOUISVILLE.
INZ078-079-090>092-KYZ024>034-038-061-221130-
SCOTT IN-JEFFERSON IN-HARRISON IN-FLOYD IN-CLARK IN-BRECKINRIDGE KY-
MEADE KY-OHIO KY-GRAYSON KY-HARDIN KY-BULLITT KY-JEFFERSON KY-
OLDHAM KY-TRIMBLE KY-HENRY KY-SHELBY KY-SPENCER KY-BUTLER KY-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...SCOTTSBURG...MADISON...CORYDON...
NEW ALBANY...JEFFERSONVILLE...HARDINSBURG...BRANDENBURG...
BEAVER DAM...LEITCHFIELD...ELIZABETHTOWN...FORT KNOX...
MOUNT WASHINGTON...SHEPHERDSVILLE...LOUISVILLE...LA GRANGE...
BEDFORD...NEW CASTLE...SHELBYVILLE...TAYLORSVILLE...MORGANTOWN
619 AM EST SAT DEC 21 2013 /519 AM CST SAT DEC 21 2013/
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON...
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON EST /11 AM CST/ TODAY TO 4 AM
EST /3 AM CST/ SUNDAY...
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTH CENTRAL
INDIANA AND CENTRAL KENTUCKY.
.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.
HEAVY RAINFALL IS EXPECTED TODAY INTO TONIGHT...ESPECIALLY ACROSS
SOUTHERN INDIANA. TWO TO THREE INCHES OF RAIN WILL BE
LIKELY...WITH LOCAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS NEAR 4 INCHES POSSIBLE. STAY
UP TO DATE OF THE LATEST FORECASTS AS THIS RAINFALL COULD PRODUCE
LOCAL FLOODING...RAPID SMALL STREAM AND CREEK RISES...AND EVENTUAL
LARGER RIVER RISES.
IN ADDITION...A LINE OF THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT THE REGION EARLY THIS EVENING
INTO THE FIRST PART OF THE OVERNIGHT HOURS. DAMAGING WINDS AND
HEAVY RAINFALL WILL BE THE MAIN THREATS WITH THESE STORMS...BUT AN
ISOLATED TORNADO OR TWO WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE.
EVEN OUTSIDE OF ANY SHOWERS AND STORMS...STRONG SOUTHERLY WINDS ARE
EXPECTED THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT...WITH GUSTS NEAR
40 MPH AT TIMES.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.
NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAY BE NEEDED EARLY THIS EVENING INTO THE
OVERNIGHT HOURS.
&&
MORE INFORMATION...ALONG WITH OTHER WEATHER...HYDROLOGICAL AND
CLIMATE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND...AT WEATHER.GOV/LOUISVILLE.
INZ076-077-083-084-089-KYZ023-221130-
ORANGE IN-WASHINGTON IN-DUBOIS IN-CRAWFORD IN-PERRY IN-HANCOCK KY-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...PAOLI...SALEM...JASPER...MARENGO...
TELL CITY...HAWESVILLE
619 AM EST SAT DEC 21 2013 /519 AM CST SAT DEC 21 2013/
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON...
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTH CENTRAL
INDIANA AND CENTRAL KENTUCKY.
.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.
HEAVY RAINFALL IS EXPECTED TODAY INTO TONIGHT...ESPECIALLY ACROSS
SOUTHERN INDIANA. TWO TO THREE INCHES OF RAIN WILL BE
LIKELY...WITH LOCAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS NEAR 4 INCHES POSSIBLE. STAY
UP TO DATE OF THE LATEST FORECASTS AS THIS RAINFALL COULD PRODUCE
LOCAL FLOODING...RAPID SMALL STREAM AND CREEK RISES...AND EVENTUAL
LARGER RIVER RISES.
IN ADDITION...A LINE OF THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT THE REGION EARLY THIS EVENING
INTO THE FIRST PART OF THE OVERNIGHT HOURS. DAMAGING WINDS AND
HEAVY RAINFALL WILL BE THE MAIN THREATS WITH THESE STORMS...BUT AN
ISOLATED TORNADO OR TWO WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.
NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAY BE NEEDED EARLY THIS EVENING INTO THE
OVERNIGHT HOURS.
&&
MORE INFORMATION...ALONG WITH OTHER WEATHER...HYDROLOGICAL AND
CLIMATE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND...AT WEATHER.GOV/LOUISVILLE.
KD/MJ
Event by event
43 thunderstorm wind, 5 flash flood, 3 flood, 3 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.
Flood, Nelson
- When
- December 21, 12:00 PM EST to December 22, 4:00 AM EST
- Where
- Nelson County, 0.51 mi SSW of Gethsemane to 0.5 mi SSW of Gethsemane
- Cause
- Heavy Rain
- Deaths
- 3 direct, 0 indirect
- Injuries
- 2 direct, 0 indirect
- Property damage
- $15,000
- Reported by
- Emergency Manager
- Coordinates
- 37.643, -85.533
The Nelson County emergency manager confirmed that 3 out of 5 occupants of an SUV died after it ran into water covering a low water crossing on Dee Head Road, which is located around 2 miles southeast of New Haven. Two people were rescued, but 3 drowned within the SUV. Heavy rain throughout the day on the 21st caused rapid rises in area creeks and streams. The vehicle was washed away at this crossing at around 3 am local time on the 22nd of December.
Thunderstorm Wind, Hancock
- When
- December 21, 6:50 PM CST
- Where
- Hancock County, 0.84 mi ESE of Goering
- Measured
- 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
- Property damage
- $20,000
- Reported by
- Newspaper
- Coordinates
- 37.797, -86.755
A reporter from the Hawesville newspaper provided information about a home on Goering Road that was badly damaged by winds estimated at 70 mph. The home lost its front porch and a section of an attached roof. A nearby barn was destroyed. The house's attached garage had its door blown in, with a section of the garage's back wall bowed out.
Thunderstorm Wind, Breckinridge
- When
- December 21, 7:35 PM CST
- Where
- Breckinridge County, Hardinsburg Arpt
- Measured
- 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Amateur Radio
- Coordinates
- 37.780, -86.450
A HAM Radio operator reported several trees down in Hardinsburg.
Thunderstorm Wind, Breckinridge
- When
- December 21, 7:48 PM CST
- Where
- Breckinridge County, Mc Daniels
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Amateur Radio
- Coordinates
- 37.600, -86.430
Trees were downed in McDaniels.
Thunderstorm Wind, Jefferson
- When
- December 21, 8:51 PM EST
- Where
- Jefferson County, 2.07 mi N of St Dennis
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Property damage
- $10,000
- Reported by
- Law Enforcement
- Coordinates
- 38.250, -85.820
Metrosafe reported several instances of wind damage across Louisville. One example included a downed tree on Cecil Avenue.
Thunderstorm Wind, Jefferson
- When
- December 21, 9:00 PM EST
- Where
- Jefferson County, 1.29 mi WSW of Newburg
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Amateur Radio
- Coordinates
- 38.160, -85.700
Trees were downed on Preston Highway near Bennett Lane.
Thunderstorm Wind, Jefferson
- When
- December 21, 9:02 PM EST
- Where
- Jefferson County, 0.54 mi W of St Matthews
- Measured
- 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Law Enforcement
- Coordinates
- 38.250, -85.640
Local law enforcement reported a tree down near Cannon's Lane and Pee Wee Reese Road. Nearby on Cannon's Lane, a spotter estimated a 55 mph wind gust. The ASOS site at nearby Bowman Executive Airport measured a 54 mph wind gust.
Thunderstorm Wind, Logan
- When
- December 21, 8:55 PM CST
- Where
- Logan County, Adairville
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Property damage
- $10,000
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 36.670, -86.850
A spotter reported damage to several signs and porches in Adairville.
Thunderstorm Wind, Hardin
- When
- December 21, 10:08 PM EST
- Where
- Hardin County, Howe Vly
- Measured
- 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
- Property damage
- $1,000
- Reported by
- Amateur Radio
- Coordinates
- 37.680, -86.080
A HAM Radio operator reported damage to the roof of a shed.
Thunderstorm Wind, Simpson
- When
- December 21, 9:10 PM CST
- Where
- Simpson County, 1.49 mi NNE of Schweizer
- Measured
- 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- Mesonet
- Coordinates
- 36.690, -86.620
The Kentucky mesonet in Simpson County measured a 62.5 mph wind gust.
Thunderstorm Wind, Hardin
- When
- December 21, 10:10 PM EST
- Where
- Hardin County, 0.69 mi N of Vine Grove
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Amateur Radio
- Coordinates
- 37.810, -85.980
A HAM Radio operator reported trees down in Vine Grove.
Thunderstorm Wind, Simpson
- When
- December 21, 9:10 PM CST
- Where
- Simpson County, 0.69 mi N of Franklin
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Property damage
- $2,000
- Reported by
- Emergency Manager
- Coordinates
- 36.730, -86.570
The Simpson County emergency manager reported several trees down in Franklin, including one that blocked Gold City Road. A storm front window was broken on Main Street. Power outages were reported as well.
Thunderstorm Wind, Hardin
- When
- December 21, 10:11 PM EST
- Where
- Hardin County, 0.55 mi W of Rogersville
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Amateur Radio
- Coordinates
- 37.820, -85.940
Several trees were downed in Ratcliffe. Power outages were also reported.
Thunderstorm Wind, Edmonson
- When
- December 21, 9:14 PM CST
- Where
- Edmonson County, 1.3 mi WNW of Segal
- Measured
- 58 kt (67 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- Public
- Coordinates
- 37.210, -86.400
A 67 mph wind gust was measured in Western Edmonson County.
Thunderstorm Wind, Warren
- When
- December 21, 9:14 PM CST
- Where
- Warren County, 0.88 mi SW of Bowling Green
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Property damage
- $10,000
- Reported by
- Law Enforcement
- Coordinates
- 36.970, -86.440
Many reports from law enforcement arrived about trees down and power outages across Bowling Green. Debris was scattered across several streets.
Thunderstorm Wind, Warren
- When
- December 21, 9:16 PM CST
- Where
- Warren County, 0.88 mi SW of Bowling Green
- Measured
- 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 36.970, -86.440
The ASOS at the Bowling Green Airport measured a 62 mph wind gust. A couple of minutes later, a Kentucky Mesonet site 4 miles east of the airport recorded a 60 mph gust.
Thunderstorm Wind, Hardin
- When
- December 21, 10:20 PM EST
- Where
- Hardin County, 2.07 mi N of Franklin Xrds
- Measured
- 58 kt (67 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- Mesonet
- Coordinates
- 37.700, -86.020
The Kentucky Mesonet in Hardin County measured a 67 mph wind gust.
Thunderstorm Wind, Warren
- When
- December 21, 9:24 PM CST
- Where
- Warren County, 0.55 mi E of Smiths Grove
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Property damage
- $2,000
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 37.050, -86.210
A spotter located in Smith's Grove reported some minor damage to some outbuildings.
Thunderstorm Wind, Warren
- When
- December 21, 9:25 PM CST
- Where
- Warren County, 0.88 mi SW of Bowling Green
- Measured
- 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 36.970, -86.440
A spotter in Bowling Green on Scottsville Road reported a peak gust of 59 mph. He also reported many trees and power lines down.
Thunderstorm Wind, Bullitt
- When
- December 21, 10:29 PM EST
- Where
- Bullitt County, 0.88 mi NE of Shepherdsville
- Measured
- 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Amateur Radio
- Coordinates
- 37.990, -85.710
Large tree limbs were downed across Highways 61 and 245 near Sheperdsville. A spotter near this same location measured a 50 mph wind gust.
Thunderstorm Wind, Hardin
- When
- December 21, 10:30 PM EST
- Where
- Hardin County, Elizabeth Town
- Measured
- 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- Public
- Coordinates
- 37.700, -85.870
A wind gust of 61 mph was measured in Elizabethtown.
Flash Flood, Trimble
- When
- December 21, 10:30 PM EST
- Where
- Trimble County, 2.76 mi S of Monitor
- Cause
- Heavy Rain
- Reported by
- County Official
- Coordinates
- 38.610, -85.270
High Water briefly closed Connector Road in Bedford.
Thunderstorm Wind, Hart
- When
- December 21, 9:30 PM CST
- Where
- Hart County, Priceville
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Property damage
- $2,000
- Reported by
- Law Enforcement
- Coordinates
- 37.370, -85.980
The Priceville law enforcement reported that thunderstorms winds removed a barn's roof. Numerous trees were downed across the county.
Flash Flood, Breckinridge
- When
- December 21, 9:34 PM CST
- Where
- Breckinridge County, 0.4 mi ESE of Irvington to 0.52 mi S of Irvington
- Cause
- Heavy Rain
- Reported by
- Amateur Radio
- Coordinates
- 37.877, -86.274
A spotter reported via HAM radio that KY HWY 60 was under water near the Dollar Store in Irvington.
Thunderstorm Wind, Barren
- When
- December 21, 9:37 PM CST to 9:40 PM CST
- Where
- Barren County, Cave City
- Measured
- 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
- Property damage
- $50,000
- Reported by
- NWS Storm Survey
- Coordinates
- 37.130, -85.970
A storm survey confirmed widespread wind damage associated with a squall line around Cave City. Several businesses had signs blown down or damaged. A 60 foot tall Super 8 sign next to Interstate 65 was toppled. Trees and power lines were downed. A grocery store had structural damage, while several other businesses received roof damage. Wind damage was noted north of Cave City along US 31, where Alvey's Towing Recovery was damaged. Surveyors estimated straight line winds of between 65 and 70 mph.
Thunderstorm Wind, Nelson
- When
- December 21, 10:43 PM EST
- Where
- Nelson County, 0.88 mi SE of Bardstown
- Measured
- 63 kt (72 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- Broadcast Media
- Coordinates
- 37.810, -85.460
The local media relayed a report of a 72 mph wind gust in Bardstown.
Thunderstorm Wind, Hart
- When
- December 21, 9:45 PM CST to 9:55 PM CST
- Where
- Hart County, 5 mi E of Horse Cave
- Measured
- 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- NWS Storm Survey
- Coordinates
- 37.180, -85.829
A storm survey confirmed widespread damage across southern Hart County east of Horse Cave consistent with straight line winds of 70 to 80 mph. A squall line moved across the area, flipping and destroying a single-wide mobile home just east of Horse Cave. Several barns were destroyed along Highway 218. Many trees were downed as well. On Bunnell Crossing Road near Pascal, a dairy silo was toppled and a barn was extensively damaged. Metal sheeting was removed from this barn and blown downwind for 400 yards.
Flash Flood, Jefferson
- When
- December 21, 11:00 PM EST
- Where
- Jefferson County, 0.31 mi SSE of Audubon Park to 0.14 mi SSW of Audubon Park
- Cause
- Heavy Rain
- Reported by
- Law Enforcement
- Coordinates
- 38.196, -85.728
Heavy rain brought some road closures across the Louisville Metro area, including Preston Highway.
Thunderstorm Wind, Green
- When
- December 21, 10:00 PM CST
- Where
- Green County, 0.55 mi W of Coakley
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- NWS Storm Survey
- Coordinates
- 37.380, -85.540
A storm survey found that several hardwood trees were downed along Pleasant Valley Road near the intersection with Coakley Road. Wind speeds were estimated at 65 mph.
Thunderstorm Wind, Green
- When
- December 21, 10:02 PM CST
- Where
- Green County, Greensburg
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
- Property damage
- $5,000
- Reported by
- NWS Storm Survey
- Coordinates
- 37.270, -85.500
A storm survey confirmed that sporadic damage across Green County was due to straight line winds up to 65 mph associated with a severe squall line. The most significant damage surveyed was noted in Greenville near the intersection of State Highways 61 and 68, where roof and shingle damage occurred.
Thunderstorm Wind, Monroe
- When
- December 21, 10:02 PM CST
- Where
- Monroe County, 0.89 mi NW of Gamaliel
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Public
- Coordinates
- 36.640, -85.790
The public reported that several trees were downed in Gamaliel and other locations around Monroe County.
Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin
- When
- December 21, 11:03 PM EST
- Where
- Franklin County, 2.28 mi WNW of Bridgeport
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Public
- Coordinates
- 38.180, -84.990
The public reported via Twitter of a tree downed across Old Sheep Pen Road west of Frankfort.
Thunderstorm Wind, Metcalfe
- When
- December 21, 10:05 PM CST
- Where
- Metcalfe County, 0.88 mi NW of Randolph
- Measured
- 61 kt (70 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- Mesonet
- Coordinates
- 36.980, -85.710
The Kentucky Mesonet in Metcalfe County measured a 70 mph wind gust.
Tornado, Taylor
- When
- December 21, 11:07 PM EST to 11:13 PM EST
- Where
- Taylor County, 0.95 mi NNE of Wrights to 0.33 mi W of Arista
- Rating
- EF1
- Path length
- 5.53 mi
- Path width
- 300 yd
- Property damage
- $200,000
- Reported by
- NWS Storm Survey
- Coordinates
- 37.333, -85.396
A storm survey confirmed a tornado that damaged the northern portion of Campbellsville. It touched down just west of the intersection of US 68 and Ky 323, where it destroyed several outbuildings. After crossing KY 210, it uprooted trees and damaged several buildings near the intersection of Hodgenville Road and Vintage Lane. Damage rated as EF-1 was surveyed as the tornado crossed Saloma Road and moved roughly parallel to and just north of Upper Miller Park Road. Several trees were toppled and several rooftops were damaged. After crossing the intersection of Eastern Drive and East Lake Drive, it brought additional roof and tree damage to locations near the intersection of US 68 and Palestine Road. At this point, the tornado lifted.
Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin
- When
- December 21, 11:09 PM EST
- Where
- Franklin County, 1.29 mi WSW of Frankfort
- Measured
- 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 38.190, -84.870
The ASOS site at the Frankfort airport measured a wind gust of 59 mph.
Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin
- When
- December 21, 11:10 PM EST
- Where
- Franklin County, 0.88 mi NW of Frankfort
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Property damage
- $10,000
- Reported by
- Emergency Manager
- Coordinates
- 38.210, -84.860
Many reports arrived concerning downed trees, power lines and blown transformers south of Wilkinson Road and north of east Main Street in Frankfort.
Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin
- When
- December 21, 11:12 PM EST
- Where
- Franklin County, 1.09 mi W of Stedmantown
- Measured
- 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Fire Department/Rescue
- Coordinates
- 38.220, -84.840
A tree was downed on a residential property in the Indian Hills Subdivision.
Thunderstorm Wind, Anderson
- When
- December 21, 11:12 PM EST
- Where
- Anderson County, 1.81 mi NE of Lawrenceburg
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Department of Highways
- Coordinates
- 38.046, -84.874
The county road commission reported that several large trees were downed along with multiple power lines just east of Lawrenceburg along US 62 between Starhill Way and Lock Drive.
Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin
- When
- December 21, 11:14 PM EST
- Where
- Franklin County, 0.5 mi ENE of Stedmantown
- Measured
- 71 kt (82 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 38.223, -84.811
A trained spotter with a reliable anemometer measured an 82 mph wind gust at his residence. His location fell within an area where numerous other damage reports were received.
Thunderstorm Wind, Anderson
- When
- December 21, 11:15 PM EST
- Where
- Anderson County, 0.88 mi NE of Ninevah
- Measured
- 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- Mesonet
- Coordinates
- 38.090, -84.870
A wind gust of 63 mph was measured by a Kentucky Mesonet site in Anderson County.
Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin
- When
- December 21, 11:15 PM EST
- Where
- Franklin County, 1.38 mi N of Lanes Mill
- Measured
- 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- Mesonet
- Coordinates
- 38.120, -84.880
The Kentucky Mesonet in Franklin County reported a 63 mph wind gust.
Thunderstorm Wind, Scott
- When
- December 21, 11:23 PM EST
- Where
- Scott County, 0.88 mi SE of Great Crossing
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Public
- Coordinates
- 38.210, -84.590
The public reported via Twitter that two barns were destroyed near Western Elementary School. Several signs were twisted as well.
Thunderstorm Wind, Woodford
- When
- December 21, 11:24 PM EST
- Where
- Woodford County, 2.14 mi SSE of Milner
- Measured
- 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 38.000, -84.790
A spotter located around 5 miles southwest of Versailles measured a 61 mph wind gust.
Thunderstorm Wind, Woodford
- When
- December 21, 11:28 PM EST
- Where
- Woodford County, Midway
- Measured
- 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Emergency Manager
- Coordinates
- 38.150, -84.680
The county emergency manager reported that many trees were downed in Woodford County, with a concentration along Old Frankfort Pike and Midway Road.
Tornado, Harrison
- When
- December 21, 11:29 PM EST to 11:34 PM EST
- Where
- Harrison County, 1.99 mi NNW of Breckinridge to 1.34 mi E of Robinson
- Rating
- EF1
- Path length
- 3.49 mi
- Path width
- 110 yd
- Property damage
- $100,000
- Reported by
- NWS Storm Survey
- Coordinates
- 38.457, -84.383
A storm survey confirmed that an EF-1 tornado damaged numerous barns, garages and outbuildings along Dutch Chapel Road. Two homes along this road had significant roof damage. This area of concentrated damage was embedded in a much wider area of lighter damage caused by straight line winds across northern Harrison County. Residents along Dutch Chapel Road reported popping ears and a roaring noise embedded within driving rain and gusty winds associated with a squall line.
Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette
- When
- December 21, 11:31 PM EST
- Where
- Fayette County, 0.55 mi NNE of (Lex)blu Grs Fld Lex
- Measured
- 57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 38.038, -84.598
The ASOS at the Lexington Airport measured a 66 mph wind gust.
Tornado, Bourbon
- When
- December 21, 11:41 PM EST to 11:45 PM EST
- Where
- Bourbon County, 5.3 mi W of Millersburg to 2.2 mi N of Millersburg
- Rating
- EF1
- Path length
- 5.74 mi
- Path width
- 125 yd
- Property damage
- $150,000
- Reported by
- NWS Storm Survey
- Coordinates
- 38.300, -84.248
A survey confirmed that an EF-1 tornado was embedded within a severe squall line that brought widespread damage to northern Bourbon County. An area of concentrated damage was surveyed along Colville and Steele Ford Roads as well as Endicott Lane. Along these roads several large barns and outbuildings were either destroyed or heavily damaged. EF-1 damage was confirmed along Endicott Lane as some well-anchored barn footers were lifted up and thrown 75 yards. Several residents also reported a loud roar within torrential rain as the line of storms passed.
Flash Flood, Grayson
- When
- December 21, 10:41 PM CST
- Where
- Grayson County, 0.72 mi ENE of Leitchfield to 0.77 mi ENE of Leitchfield
- Cause
- Heavy Rain
- Reported by
- Amateur Radio
- Coordinates
- 37.485, -86.288
Flashing Flooding was reported on the 500 block of Mill Street in Leitchfield. Around 8 inches of water was running across the road.
Thunderstorm Wind, Boyle
- When
- December 21, 11:44 PM EST
- Where
- Boyle County, 0.88 mi SE of Danville
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Property damage
- $10,000
- Reported by
- Emergency Manager
- Coordinates
- 37.640, -84.770
The Boyle County emergency manager reported several trees and power lines downed across Danville.
Thunderstorm Wind, Nicholas
- When
- December 21, 11:55 PM EST
- Where
- Nicholas County, 2.82 mi S of Head Quarters
- Measured
- 58 kt (67 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- Mesonet
- Coordinates
- 38.310, -84.130
The Kentucky Mesonet in Nicholas County measured a 67 mph wind gust.
Flash Flood, Hardin
- When
- December 22, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Hardin County, 0.96 mi NE of Glendale to 1.05 mi NE of Glendale
- Cause
- Heavy Rain
- Reported by
- Law Enforcement
- Coordinates
- 37.609, -85.906
Flowing water covered Gaither Station Road, making it impassable.
Thunderstorm Wind, Nicholas
- When
- December 22, 12:00 AM EST
- Where
- Nicholas County, 0.88 mi SW of Carlisle
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- County Official
- Coordinates
- 38.310, -84.040
Nicholas County emergency management reported numerous downed trees blocking roads across the county.
Flood, Breckinridge
- When
- December 22, 12:32 AM CST
- Where
- Breckinridge County, 0.55 mi E of Mystic to 0.71 mi N of Lodiburg
- Cause
- Heavy Rain
- Reported by
- Amateur Radio
- Coordinates
- 37.900, -86.420
A HAM Radio operator reported that KY Highway 86 near Lodiburg was closed due to high water.
Flood, Ohio
- When
- December 22, 8:15 PM CST to December 23, 4:15 AM CST
- Where
- Ohio County, Dundee to 0.68 mi NE of Dundee
- Cause
- Heavy Rain
- Reported by
- River/Stream Gage
- Coordinates
- 37.550, -86.780
Widespread heavy rains of around 2 inches fell across central Kentucky during the evening hours on Dec 21st. This led to minor flooding on the Rough River at Dundee. The river crested at 25.1 feet just before midnight on the 22nd. Flood state is 25 feet.
- Flood
- Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.
- 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.
- Flash Flood
- Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
- 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.
- Tornadoes and Damaging Winds in Mississippi, December 21, 20131 death · 11 injured · $2.2 million · EF2 · 21 events
- Tornado and Flash Flooding in Arkansas, December 21, 20131 death · 3 injured · $565,000 · EF2 · 9 events
- Lightning Strike and Heavy Rain in Texas, December 21, 20132 deaths · 1 injured · $36,000 · 3 events
- Flash Flooding and Flooding in Ohio, December 21 to 25, 20131 death · $1.8 million · 52 kt wind · 28 events
- Flash Flooding and Flooding in Indiana, December 21 to 23, 20131 death · $199,000 · 12 events
- Flooding in Indiana, December 21 to 31, 20131 death · 1 injured · $72,000 · 7 events
- Flash Flooding and Flood in Kentucky, December 21 to 22, 20131 death · $60,000 · 10 events
- Ice Storm and Winter Storm in Missouri, December 21 to 22, 20131 death · 37 events
- Ice Storm in Michigan, December 21 to 22, 2013$29 million · 10 events
- Tornado and Damaging Winds in Louisiana, December 21, 2013$4.2 million · EF1 · 23 events
- Ice Storm and Winter Weather in Michigan, December 21 to 22, 2013$18 million · 9 events
- Flash Flooding and Flooding in Ohio, December 21 to 25, 2013$292,000 · 64 kt wind · 75 events
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: 492592, 481441, 481420, 481421, 481417, 481419, 481418, 481422, 481423, 481332, 481424, 481425, 481426, 481336, 481430, 481333, 481334, 481427, 481343, 481428, 481335, 481411, 481429, 481412, 481318, 481342, 481319, 481413, 481431, 481320, 481432, 481433, 481338, 481314, 481337, 481440, 481436, 481437, 481773, 481339, and more.