Strong Wind in Indiana, February 20, 2014

Name: Strong Wind in Indiana, February 20, 2014
Start: 2014-02-20T18:00
End: 2014-02-20T22:00
Location: Indiana

February 20, 2014 · NWS PAH · 6 events in 6 counties and zones

Immediately ahead of a cold front, strong southwest winds gusted to around 45 mph during the early evening hours. Winds shifted into the west behind the front, with gusts reaching 45 to 50 mph at times through the evening.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 6 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: 0
Property damage: $6,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 6

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 PAH wrote it up.

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 Paducah, KY wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Feb 20, 2:33 PM CST, 3 hours 27 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 20, 2:33 PM CST, 3 hours 27 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
233 PM CST Thu Feb 20 2014

.SHORT TERM...(Tonight through Saturday night)
ISSUED AT 230 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

The big news in the short term continues to be approach and passage
of a strong cold front this afternoon and evening having the
potential to produce severe weather.

A low pressure system over northern Missouri will track northeast to
east central Wisconsin by midnight. In the process it will drag a
strong cold front across the region. The front is expected to enter
our far western counties around 3 PM and clear our far southeast
counties around 8 PM. Up to this point today, aside from a few
scattered showers, a capping inversion around 750 MB has held
convection at bay. Aside from the possibility of a few discreet
supercells, it appears that the most widespread  thunderstorm
development will be linear (QLCS) along and just ahead of the front
as evidenced by ongoing convection over eastern Missouri. Although
severe thunderstorms are possible just about anywhere prior to
frontal passage, we expect the highest potential for widespread
severe weather to be mainly south and east of the Ohio river after 6
PM.

The main threat with any thunderstorms that become severe will be
damaging wind gusts, but with decent instability for this time of
year and very impressive wind shear, a few discreet tornadic
supercells and embedded tornadoes in the line are certainly not out
of the question.

The threat of showers and thunderstorms diminishes sharply from west
to east through the rest of the evening hours with the passage of
the front. Beyond that high pressure at the surface and near zonal
flow aloft should keep things dry and a little cooler through the
short term period.

.LONG TERM...(Sunday through Thursday)
ISSUED AT 230 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

Medium confidence in the long term.

Surface high pressure will build into the region Sunday in the wake
of a reinforcing cold front. The extended init generated low pops
over the area Sunday. The GFS and NAM support this albeit a weak
signal. The ECMWF is much drier Sunday. The models have had a hard
time resolving this weekend weather. Also looking at the forecast
soundings from the aforementioned models they might support a few
flurries/sprinkles but not supportive of any real impact. For these
reasons opted to leave it dry until a little better continuity
exists among the models. Otherwise another low pressure system
passes just south of our area that could try to pump a little
moisture up our way. Will monitor this closely for possible intro of
precip Monday night into Tuesday but dry for now as this is a weak
signal as well. The models are hinting at an increase in moisture
toward the end of next week...this to will be monitored closely.

As for temps we will once again cool back down to below normal with
highs struggling to reach 40 next week.

&&

.AVIATION...
ISSUED AT 230 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

A strong cold front will race across the TAF sites this evening.
Predominant VFR conditions expected with MVFR cigs/vsbys and TSRA
between 21-24Z at KCGI/KPAH and between 23-02Z at KEVV/KOWB, then
becoming SKC from west to east starting at KCGI around 06Z.
Southerly winds at 25-30 knots gusting to 35-40 knots will veer
around to the west starting at KCGI around 23Z, then progressing
eastward across the remaining TAF sites. Westerly winds will drop
off to 10-15 knots starting at KCGI around 06Z.

&&

.PAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IL...WIND ADVISORY until Midnight CST tonight FOR ILZ075>078-081>083-
     085>087-089>091-093-094.

     WIND ADVISORY until 8 PM CST this evening FOR ILZ080-084-088-092.

MO...WIND ADVISORY until 8 PM CST this evening FOR MOZ076-086-087-100-
     107>112-114.

IN...WIND ADVISORY until Midnight CST tonight FOR INZ081-082-085>088.

KY...WIND ADVISORY until Midnight CST tonight FOR KYZ001>022.

&&

SHORT TERM/AVIATION...JP
LONG TERM/FIRE WX...KH

Hazardous weather outlook, Feb 20, 3:03 PM CST, 2 hours 57 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
303 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

ILZ075>078-080>094-INZ081-082-085>088-KYZ001>022-MOZ076-086-087-
100-107>112-114-212115-
JEFFERSON-WAYNE IL-EDWARDS-WABASH-PERRY IL-FRANKLIN-HAMILTON-
WHITE-JACKSON-WILLIAMSON-SALINE-GALLATIN-UNION IL-JOHNSON-POPE-
HARDIN-ALEXANDER-PULASKI-MASSAC-GIBSON-PIKE-POSEY-VANDERBURGH-
WARRICK-SPENCER-FULTON-HICKMAN-CARLISLE-BALLARD-MCCRACKEN-GRAVES-
LIVINGSTON-MARSHALL-CALLOWAY-CRITTENDEN-LYON-TRIGG-CALDWELL-
UNION KY-WEBSTER-HOPKINS-CHRISTIAN-HENDERSON-DAVIESS-MCLEAN-
MUHLENBERG-TODD-PERRY MO-BOLLINGER-CAPE GIRARDEAU-WAYNE MO-CARTER-
RIPLEY-BUTLER-STODDARD-SCOTT-MISSISSIPPI-NEW MADRID-
303 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN
ILLINOIS...SOUTHWEST INDIANA...WESTERN KENTUCKY AND SOUTHEAST
MISSOURI.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

WITH THE PASSAGE OF A STRONG FRONTAL SYSTEM...SCATTERED TO NUMEROUS
THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED ACROSS THE AREA THIS AFTERNOON AND
INTO THE EARLY EVENING HOURS. ANY STORM THAT DEVELOPS WILL HAVE
THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME SEVERE...WITH THE SEVERE POTENTIAL MAXIMIZED
FROM 3 PM TO 8 PM. A SOLID LINE OF STORMS IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP
ALONG THE FRONT...HOWEVER A FEW DISCREET SUPERCELLS OUT AHEAD OF
THE LINE IS NOT OUT OF THE QUESTION. DAMAGING WINDS WILL BE THE MAIN
THREAT...ESPECIALLY WITH THE LINE...BUT A FEW TORNADOES ARE
POSSIBLE WITH THE SUPERCELLS AS WELL AS EMBEDDED IN THE LINE. IN
ADDITION...LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL AND ALREADY SATURATED GROUND MAY
LEAD TO A FEW FLOODING PROBLEMS...ESPECIALLY OVER WEST KENTUCKY.

A WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THE ENTIRE AREA TODAY AND THIS
EVENING FOR VERY STRONG NON THUNDERSTORM WINDS. PLEASE CONSULT THE
ADVISORY PRODUCT FOR DETAILS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY

THERE WILL BE AN ELEVATED FIRE RISK AREA WIDE ON FRIDAY...
OTHERWISE NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS REQUESTED THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING.

JP

In the hours before

Local storm report, Feb 20, 5:39 PM CST, 21 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
539 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0515 PM     TSTM WND DMG     ALLEGRE                 36.93N 87.22W
02/20/2014                   TODD               KY   TRAINED SPOTTER

            TREE BLOWN DOWN AND LANDED ON PARKED VEHICLE. NO
            PASSENGERS. ROOF DAMAGE REPORTED TO A HOME.

&&

SMITTY

Local storm report, Feb 20, 5:43 PM CST, 17 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
543 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0450 PM     TSTM WND DMG     FORT CAMPBELL NORTH     36.65N 87.46W
02/20/2014                   CHRISTIAN          KY   TRAINED SPOTTER

            ROOF DAMAGE TO BUILDING AND ROOF BLOWN OFF OF BARN.

&&

SMITTY

Local storm report, Feb 20, 5:45 PM CST, 15 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
545 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0533 PM     TSTM WND GST     CARBONDALE              37.72N 89.22W
02/20/2014  M60 MPH          JACKSON            IL   ASOS

&&

SMITTY

Local storm report, Feb 20, 5:54 PM CST, 6 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
554 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0554 PM     TSTM WND DMG     LEDBETTER               37.05N 88.50W
02/20/2014                   LIVINGSTON         KY   AMATEUR RADIO

            WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES REPORTED.

&&

SMITTY

Local storm report, Feb 20, 5:56 PM CST, 4 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
556 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0554 PM     FUNNEL CLOUD     SPRINGERTON             38.18N 88.35W
02/20/2014                   WHITE              IL   TRAINED SPOTTER

            CONFIRMED FUNNEL CLOUD HEADING TOWARD SPRINGERTON.
            REPORTED THROUGH EM OFFICE.

&&

SMITTY

Local storm report, Feb 20, 5:58 PM CST, 2 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
558 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0558 PM     TSTM WND GST     MOUNT VERNON            38.32N 88.91W
02/20/2014  M48 MPH          JEFFERSON          IL   AWOS

&&

SMITTY

The radar

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

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

6 strong wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Strong Wind, Gibson

When: February 20, 6:00 PM CST to 10:00 PM CST
Where: Gibson forecast zone
Measured: 39 kt (45 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 38.312, -87.585 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Pike

When: February 20, 6:00 PM CST to 10:00 PM CST
Where: Pike forecast zone
Measured: 39 kt (45 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 38.399, -87.232 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Posey

When: February 20, 6:00 PM CST to 10:00 PM CST
Where: Posey forecast zone
Measured: 39 kt (45 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 38.022, -87.868 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Spencer

When: February 20, 6:00 PM CST to 10:00 PM CST
Where: Spencer forecast zone
Measured: 39 kt (45 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 38.014, -87.008 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Warrick

When: February 20, 6:00 PM CST to 10:00 PM CST
Where: Warrick forecast zone
Measured: 39 kt (45 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 38.092, -87.272 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Vanderburgh

When: February 20, 6:00 PM CST to 10:00 PM CST
Where: Vanderburgh forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 38.025, -87.586 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

What these are

Strong Wind: Non-thunderstorm winds below high wind criteria that nonetheless caused damage or casualties.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Indiana in 2014 Every state in 2014 This day in weather history Warnings in Indiana, February 2014

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: 497514, 497515, 497516, 497517, 497518, 497519.