Flash Flood and Flood in Kentucky, December 23, 2015

Name: Flash Flood and Flood in Kentucky, December 23, 2015
Start: 2015-12-23T17:01
End: 2015-12-23T23:07
Location: Kentucky

December 23, 2015 · NWS LMK · 40 events in 22 counties and zones

Where it happened

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

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $585,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 40

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 LMK wrote it up.

Unseasonable warmth and rich Gulf moisture collided with an approaching surface low pressure system and cold front to produce several lines of strong to severe thunderstorms across central Kentucky. Damaging winds was the main threat, but some hail was also reported. Intense torrential rainfall also fell which produced localized flooding issues. Taylor County received some of the worst damage as a series of microbursts produced pockets of 100 mph winds in a small area about 5 miles south of Campbellsville.

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 23, 1:56 PM CST, 3 hours 5 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 23, 1:56 PM CST, 3 hours 5 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Louisville KY
256 PM EST WED DEC 23 2015

.SHORT TERM (Now through Thursday Night)...
Issued at 248 PM EST Wed Dec 23 2015

...Severe Thunderstorms With Damaging Winds and Tornadoes Late This
Afternoon into this Evening...

The synoptic pattern early this afternoon features a very amplified
ridge off the eastern seaboard, with a trough sliding into the
central CONUS.  Within this trough, a negatively-tilted shortwave/PV
anomaly was noted across portions of the Central Plains.  This will
slide into northeastern Canada through the period, helping to deepen
a surface low over the Upper Midwest and drag an associated cold
front through the Ohio Valley late tonight.

All focus is on the severe weather threat starting now in southern
IN, and likely to increase through the evening hours across the rest
of Kentucky. Despite virtually no breaks in the cloud cover,
temperatures have managed to climb into the mid and upper 60s across
the region. While a few locations may creep to 70 later this
afternoon/evening, think many areas will remain in the upper 60s.
Therefore, our destabilization will have to take place via low-level
moisture advection, which is ongoing across portions west TN.  Here,
dewpoints have risen into the mid 60s, which should advect northeast
into central KY this evening.  Therefore, despite limited insolation
today, think we will have enough to push SBCAPEs in the 300-700 J/kg
range, perhaps pushing 1000 J/kg across southern KY.

Low-level shear parameters are very impressive given good low-level
turning. Effective SRH values are in excess of 400 m2/s2 across
western TN/eastern AR. Therefore, any storm will have the ability to
rotate. The main complicating factor continues to be storm
mode/coverage, and the effect the current QLCS moving through
western KY/IL/IN will have on storm evolution this evening.  The
near term threat will come from this QLCS now pushing into southern
IN/northern KY. Damaging winds and a few weak tornadoes will be
possible with this activity as it pushes northeast.  There is some
question as to how far east into central KY this activity gets.  The
southern edge has recently slowed, thus do not expect it to cross
portions of central KY.

If indeed central KY remains in the clear from this first QLCS, then
attention will turn to the southwest.  Convection is beginning to
fill in across portions of western TN/eastern AR, where supercells
have begun to develop over the past hour or so within the exit
region of a 110-knot upper-level jet streak.  This activity should
rapidly push northeast into south-central KY this evening. Storm
mode with this round is a bit in question, but semi-discrete
supercells will be possible especially in areas west of I-65 and to
the south of where the current QLCS stalls.  Coordinated with SPC on
the Moderate Risk, thus like the current placement and the main
emphasis on damaging winds (some in excess of 70 mph) and isolated
tornadoes.  Any strong tornado threat will hinge on storm mode once
the convection makes it into southern KY, but a strong tornado
cannot be ruled out across the southwestern CWA given very low
LCLs (around 500m) and impressive low-level shear/helicities.

All this activity will race east and will likely be out of the area
by 5Z or so.  Cooler and drier air will lag the cold front, so
expect overnight lows to remain mild and highs on Thursday to still
climb into the 60s.
.

.LONG TERM (Friday through Wednesday)...
Issued at 255 PM EST Wed Dec 23 2015

...Active Weather Continues Into Early Next Week, Heavy Rain Main
Concern...

Given the very active short term period, will leave the previous
discussion in place.  The main long term impact continues to be on
the potential for heavy rainfall Friday into early next week.  Still
looks like 3 to locally 5 inches of rainfall will be possible during
this timeframe, which may result in some flooding especially across
the northern portions of the forecast area.

Previous Discussion:
Christmas Eve Night...

We'll actually see a brief break in the action Christmas Eve night
as the frontal boundary and deeper moisture feed are shunted off to
the SE. Still some question as to how far SE this front will hang up
given the strength of the Bermuda High. ECMWF continues to be an
outlier during this time, bringing overrunning precipitation chances
back into our region before dawn on Christmas Day. Will mention some
chances mainly across south central KY toward dawn. Temps will be a
bit cooler on the north side of this boundary, with upper 40s north
to mid and upper 50s south.

Christmas Day - Sunday...

The overall pattern as we head through the holiday weekend will
feature troughing across the western CONUS, and strong Bermuda High
holding. We'll be under the SW flow aloft, which will help to
continually pump deep moisture along a stalled frontal boundary
waffling near our region. This will ultimately result in a very mild
and very wet period of weather.

Christmas Day continues to trend toward the wetter scenario as
models generally agree on the warm front slowly lifting north over
our region. Precipitation look to at least make it to the Ohio River
by afternoon, then persisting into the overnight. The pattern then
amplifies Saturday and Sunday as a SW CONUS cutoff low digs into the
Rio Grande River Valley and SE Ridge responds. This will shift the
focus of the frontogenetical rainfall more across southern Indiana
where the bulk of the rainfall will fall through the weekend. This
will also bring the warmer temps on the south side of the boundary
with small diurnal ranges. This system will have plenty of moisture
to work with as soundings show precipitable water values rising to
1.3-1.6 inches, generally over the 90th percentile for this time of
year. Thus, rain could be moderate to heavy at times.

Christmas Day highs should range in the upper 50s and low 60s north,
to mid 60s south. Expect highs in the upper 60s and low 70s
Saturday, with a slightly cooler Sunday as the front dips back down
into our region a bit. Will still be mostly in the 60s. Lows during
this time will be quite mild in the upper 50s and low 60s.

Sunday Night - Tuesday...

Confidence lowers during this time as models diverge on how quick
the upper low ejects out of Texas into the Great Lakes. The models
are playing into their typical biases, with the slower ECMWF holding
onto the SW energy, and the GFS blasting it through. Actually like
the ECMWF solution and its support from the GEM as the Bermuda Ridge
could continue to play a factor in slow overall progress. So,
depending on which solution, or some compromise between the two,
occurs we'll either see a final strong surge of showers and storms
on Monday or Tuesday. Will have to watch and see if another round of
strong storms will be possible early next week as some instability
could occur in the warm sector ahead of the passing front.

Overall, data still suggest that around 3-5 inches of rain could
fall between Christmas and Tuesday, with the bulk of it across
southern Indiana. Given the amount of rainfall from recent days and
the potential for periods of moderate to heavy rainfall, some minor
flooding could become a concern. Still not overly confident given
the subtle model variability with placement of frontogenetical
precipitation. Will continue to monitor latest trends. Will also
note that this active period of weather will likely push SDF and LEX
higher on the standings of the all time wettest year. SDF ranks 9th
as of Dec 21, and LEX ranks 14th.

&&

.AVIATION (18Z TAF Update)...
Updated at 1215 PM EST Wed Dec 23 2015

Now have a squall line entering southern Illinois. The edge of this
line should stay just north of SDF, but we could see supercells
develop along the lingering back edge that will affect at least the
KBWG/KSDF terminals later this afternoon. Could see a line of storms
develop/merge toward KLEX starting around 00Z. Have put in peak
winds of 40s knots for KSDF/KBWG for now along with IFR conditions,
but the winds could be stronger. Will amend TAFs as necessary this
afternoon.

Cold front driving this convection should push through the terminals
late tonight, with conditions improving around daybreak Thursday.

&&

.LMK Watches/Warnings/Advisories...
KY...NONE.
IN...NONE.
&&

Short Term........KJD
Long Term.........KJD
Aviation..........RJS

Hazardous weather outlook, Dec 23, 2:23 PM CST, 2 hours 38 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY
323 PM EST WED DEC 23 2015

INZ076>079-083-084-089>092-KYZ023>034-038-045-053-061>063-070>072-
242030-
ORANGE-WASHINGTON-SCOTT-JEFFERSON-DUBOIS-CRAWFORD-PERRY-HARRISON-
FLOYD-CLARK-HANCOCK-BRECKINRIDGE-MEADE-OHIO-GRAYSON-HARDIN-BULLITT-
OLDHAM-TRIMBLE-HENRY-SHELBY-SPENCER-NELSON-LARUE-BUTLER-EDMONSON-
HART-LOGAN-WARREN-SIMPSON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...PAOLI...ORLEANS...FRENCH LICK...SALEM...
SCOTTSBURG...AUSTIN...MADISON...JASPER...HUNTINGBURG...BROWNSTOWN...
MILLTOWN...MARENGO...TELL CITY...CORYDON...NEW ALBANY...
JEFFERSONVILLE...CLARKSVILLE...LEWISPORT...HAWESVILLE...
HARDINSBURG...IRVINGTON...CLOVERPORT...BRANDENBURG...MULDRAUGH...
BEAVER DAM...HARTFORD...LEITCHFIELD...ELIZABETHTOWN...RADCLIFF...
FORT KNOX...MOUNT WASHINGTON...SHEPHERDSVILLE...HILLVIEW...BROOKS...
LOUISVILLE...LA GRANGE...BUCKNER...CRESTWOOD...PEWEE VALLEY...
BEDFORD...MILTON...EMINENCE...NEW CASTLE...PLEASUREVILLE...
CAMPBELLSBURG...SHELBYVILLE...TAYLORSVILLE...BARDSTOWN...
HODGENVILLE...MORGANTOWN...BROWNSVILLE...HORSE CAVE...MUNFORDVILLE...
RUSSELLVILLE...BOWLING GREEN...FRANKLIN...PROVIDENCE
323 PM EST WED DEC 23 2015 /223 PM CST WED DEC 23 2015/

...TORNADO WATCH 560 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EST /8 PM CST/ THIS
EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTH CENTRAL
INDIANA AND CENTRAL KENTUCKY.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

A STRONG STORM SYSTEM WILL BRING SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS TO THE OHIO
VALLEY. THESE SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE LIKELY ACROSS SOUTHERN
INDIANA AND NORTHERN KENTUCKY EARLY THIS EVENING...BEFORE
ADDITIONAL SEVERE STORMS AFFECT MAINLY KENTUCKY THIS EVENING INTO
THE EARLY OVERNIGHT HOURS. THESE STORMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF
DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 70 MPH IN THE STRONGEST CORES...AND
ISOLATED TORNADOES.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

SOME HEAVY RAINFALL MAY DEVELOP LATE FRIDAY THROUGH THE MONDAY AS
A WARM FRONT LIFTS NORTHWARD ACROSS THE FORECAST AREA PRODUCING 2
TO 3 INCHES OF RAIN.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL BE NEEDED THIS EVENING.

KYZ035>037-039>043-046>049-054>057-064>067-073>078-081-082-242030-
FRANKLIN-SCOTT-HARRISON-ANDERSON-WOODFORD-FAYETTE-BOURBON-NICHOLAS-
WASHINGTON-MERCER-JESSAMINE-CLARK-MARION-BOYLE-GARRARD-MADISON-GREEN-
TAYLOR-CASEY-LINCOLN-ALLEN-BARREN-MONROE-METCALFE-ADAIR-RUSSELL-
CUMBERLAND-CLINTON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FRANKFORT...GEORGETOWN...CYNTHIANA...
LAWRENCEBURG...VERSAILLES...LEXINGTON...PARIS...CARLISLE...
SPRINGFIELD...HARRODSBURG...NICHOLASVILLE...WILMORE...WINCHESTER...
LEBANON...DANVILLE...LANCASTER...RICHMOND...BEREA...GREENSBURG...
CAMPBELLSVILLE...LIBERTY...STANFORD...SCOTTSVILLE...GLASGOW...
TOMPKINSVILLE...EDMONTON...COLUMBIA...RUSSELL SPRINGS...JAMESTOWN...
SALEM...BURKESVILLE...ALBANY
323 PM EST WED DEC 23 2015 /223 PM CST WED DEC 23 2015/

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTH CENTRAL
INDIANA AND CENTRAL KENTUCKY.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

A STRONG STORM SYSTEM WILL BRING SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS TO THE OHIO
VALLEY. THESE SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE LIKELY ACROSS SOUTHERN
INDIANA AND NORTHERN KENTUCKY EARLY THIS EVENING...BEFORE
ADDITIONAL SEVERE STORMS AFFECT MAINLY KENTUCKY THIS EVENING INTO
THE EARLY OVERNIGHT HOURS. THESE STORMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF
DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 70 MPH IN THE STRONGEST CORES...AND
ISOLATED TORNADOES.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

SOME HEAVY RAINFALL MAY DEVELOP LATE FRIDAY THROUGH THE MONDAY AS
A WARM FRONT LIFTS NORTHWARD ACROSS THE FORECAST AREA PRODUCING 2
TO 3 INCHES OF RAIN.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL BE NEEDED THIS EVENING.

KD

In the hours before

Local storm report, Dec 23, 3:34 PM CST, 1 hour 27 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY
434 PM EST WED DEC 23 2015

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

0345 PM     TSTM WND DMG     2 W SALEM               38.60N 86.13W
12/23/2015                   WASHINGTON         IN   BROADCAST MEDIA

            MANY TREES DOWN IN THE COUNTY, ESPECIALLY ON
            HIGHWAY 56 NEAR THE SALEM AIRPORT.

&&

MRC

Local storm report, Dec 23, 3:47 PM CST, 1 hour 14 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY
447 PM EST WED DEC 23 2015

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

0335 PM     TSTM WND DMG     4 SE CHAMBERSBURG       38.47N 86.34W
12/23/2015                   ORANGE             IN   AMATEUR RADIO

            MINOR ROOF DAMAGE AND AN ALUMINUM CAR PORT
            LIFTED OFF ITS BASE.

&&

MRC

Local storm report, Dec 23, 4:13 PM CST, 48 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY
513 PM EST WED DEC 23 2015

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

0327 PM     TSTM WND DMG     FARGO                   38.40N 86.48W
12/23/2015                   ORANGE             IN   EMERGENCY MNGR

            TWO BARNS DAMAGED, EXTENT UNKNOWN.

&&

MRC

Special weather statement, Dec 23, 4:16 PM CST, 45 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY
516 PM EST WED DEC 23 2015

INZ076-077-084-089-232230-
WASHINGTON-ORANGE-CRAWFORD-PERRY-
516 PM EST WED DEC 23 2015

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTH CENTRAL PERRY...
SOUTHEASTERN ORANGE...CRAWFORD AND SOUTHWESTERN WASHINGTON
COUNTIES...

AT 516 PM EST /416 PM CST/...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS NEAR
ENGLISH...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 80 MPH.

WINDS IN EXCESS OF 40 MPH ARE POSSIBLE WITH THIS STORM.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
ENGLISH...STAMPERS CREEK...MARENGO...MILLTOWN...HARDINSBURG...
LIVONIA...FREDERICKSBURG...VALEENE...CELINA...RICEVILLE...SULPHUR...
MAHAN CROSSING...YOUNGS CREEK...BRANCHVILLE...FARGO...REGO...
APALONA...CHAMBERSBURG...HOGTOWN AND MIFFLIN.

THIS STORM MAY INTENSIFY...SO BE CERTAIN TO MONITOR LOCAL RADIO AND
TV STATIONS...AS WELL AS LOCAL CABLE TV OUTLETS...FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION AND POSSIBLE WARNINGS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

LAT...LON 3845 8609 3842 8614 3842 8626 3841 8626
      3841 8625 3839 8626 3839 8625 3838 8626
      3836 8625 3835 8625 3836 8627 3834 8627
      3813 8663 3825 8670 3825 8668 3832 8668
      3861 8637
TIME...MOT...LOC 2216Z 226DEG 68KT 3828 8657

EER

Special weather statement, Dec 23, 4:31 PM CST, 30 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY
531 PM EST WED DEC 23 2015

INZ076-083-084-232300-
ORANGE-CRAWFORD-DUBOIS-
531 PM EST WED DEC 23 2015

...A CLUSTER OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT WESTERN ORANGE...
NORTHWESTERN CRAWFORD AND DUBOIS COUNTIES...

AT 530 PM EST...A CLUSTER OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WAS ALONG A LINE
EXTENDING FROM 7 MILES SOUTHEAST OF WASHINGTON TO NEAR JASPER TO NEAR
FOLSOMVILLE...AND MOVING NORTHEAST AT 70 MPH.

WIND GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH ARE POSSIBLE WITH THESE STORMS.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
JASPER...HUNTINGBURG...FERDINAND...FRENCH LICK...ORANGEVILLE...
HOLLAND...WEST BADEN SPRINGS...BIRDSEYE...MILLERSPORT...ELLSWORTH...
RICEVILLE...BONDS...MENTOR...SCARLET...CELESTINE...IRELAND...
SCHNELLVILLE...NORTON...CUZCO AND HAYSVILLE.

THESE STORMS MAY INTENSIFY...SO BE CERTAIN TO MONITOR LOCAL RADIO AND
TV STATIONS...AS WELL AS LOCAL CABLE TV OUTLETS...FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION AND POSSIBLE WARNINGS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

LAT...LON 3851 8707 3850 8706 3851 8700 3849 8695
      3851 8693 3850 8688 3853 8683 3853 8668
      3869 8668 3869 8655 3865 8654 3827 8662
      3826 8668 3825 8668 3825 8679 3821 8679
      3820 8682 3820 8707
TIME...MOT...LOC 2230Z 232DEG 63KT 3857 8710 3837 8703 3812 8709

EER

Special weather statement, Dec 23, 4:52 PM CST, 9 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOUISVILLE KY
552 PM EST WED DEC 23 2015

INZ084-089-090-232315-
CRAWFORD-HARRISON-PERRY-
552 PM EST WED DEC 23 2015

...A CLUSTER OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT NORTHWESTERN
HARRISON...NORTHERN PERRY AND CRAWFORD COUNTIES...

AT 552 PM EST /452 PM CST/...A CLUSTER OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WAS
ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 12 MILES NORTHEAST OF HOLIDAY WORLD TO
NEAR TELL CITY...AND MOVING NORTHEAST AT 70 MPH.

WIND GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH ARE POSSIBLE WITH THESE STORMS.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
ENGLISH...CAREFREE TOWN...MARENGO...MILLTOWN...CELINA...SULPHUR...
ORIOLE...BANDON...BRANCHVILLE...APALONA...HOGTOWN...FRENCHTOWN...
SIBERIA...DEPAUW...MIFFLIN...RIDDLE...CURBY...BRISTOW...SWITZER
CROSSROADS AND DEUCHARS.

FREQUENT CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING IS OCCURRING WITH THIS STORM.
LIGHTNING CAN STRIKE 15 MILES AWAY FROM A THUNDERSTORM. SEEK A SAFE
SHELTER INSIDE A BUILDING OR VEHICLE.

A TORNADO WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM EST/800 PM CST/ FOR
SOUTH CENTRAL INDIANA.

LAT...LON 3825 8677 3825 8668 3828 8668 3840 8636
      3839 8631 3841 8631 3842 8629 3842 8621
      3827 8620 3803 8678 3806 8677 3810 8677
      3811 8680
TIME...MOT...LOC 2252Z 231DEG 60KT 3822 8674 3801 8680

EER

The radar

The Louisville radar (KLVX), 71 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:00 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

29 thunderstorm wind, 9 hail, 1 flash flood, 1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Hancock

When: December 23, 5:01 PM CST
Where: Hancock County, Hawesville
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.900, -86.750

A broadcast media meteorologist relayed a report of penny sized hail to the NWS.

Hail, Hancock

When: December 23, 5:08 PM CST
Where: Hancock County, 1.38 mi S of Sunny Corner
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.830, -86.670

A trained spotter reported hail 1 inch in diameter.

Hail, Meade

When: December 23, 6:20 PM EST
Where: Meade County, 1.09 mi E of Rhodelia
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.000, -86.400

Meade County law enforcement reported to the NWS that hail up to 1.75 inches in diameter fell.

Hail, Meade

When: December 23, 6:24 PM EST
Where: Meade County, 0.88 mi SE of Battletown
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.060, -86.290

A trained spotter reported that penny sized hail fell.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ohio

When: December 23, 5:38 PM CST
Where: Ohio County, 2.19 mi E of Centertown
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.420, -86.960

Law enforcement officials from Ohio County reported to the NWS that trees were down as a result of severe thunderstorm winds on Central Grove Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ohio

When: December 23, 5:40 PM CST
Where: Ohio County, 0.55 mi E of Render
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.380, -86.920

Law enforcement reported to the NWS that a tree fell down on a car in McHenry.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ohio

When: December 23, 5:51 PM CST
Where: Ohio County, 0.55 mi E of Rosine
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.450, -86.740

Local law enforcement officials reported to the NWS that trees were down in Rosine because of severe thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oldham

When: December 23, 6:58 PM EST
Where: Oldham County, 0.69 mi N of Harmony Vlg
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $60,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.410, -85.620

Oldham County law enforcement reported that a house fell off its stilts due to the severe thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Breckinridge

When: December 23, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Breckinridge County, 0.88 mi NE of Mc Quady
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 37.710, -86.510

A Kentucky Mesonet station measured a 53 knot wind gust due to severe thunderstorms.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jefferson

When: December 23, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Jefferson County, 1.77 mi WNW of Highlands
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.240, -85.710

The public reported to the NWS that severe thunderstorm winds brought down a tree onto a building.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jefferson

When: December 23, 7:04 PM EST
Where: Jefferson County, 1.09 mi W of Louisville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.230, -85.800

The public reported to the NWS that trees were down across western Jefferson County as a result of severe thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Grayson

When: December 23, 6:06 PM CST
Where: Grayson County, 0.55 mi E of Short Creek
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.530, -86.470

Grayson County law enforcement officials reported to the NWS that trees were down in Short Creek because of severe thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oldham

When: December 23, 7:07 PM EST
Where: Oldham County, 1.29 mi WNW of Centerfield
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.360, -85.420

Oldham County law enforcement reported to the NWS that trees were down due to severe thunderstorm winds at 4512 Centerfield Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oldham

When: December 23, 7:08 PM EST
Where: Oldham County, Centerfield
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.350, -85.400

Local law enforcement officials reported to the NWS that trees were down on Harvest Drive due to severe thunderstorm winds.

Hail, Grayson

When: December 23, 6:14 PM CST
Where: Grayson County, Short Creek
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.530, -86.480

A trained spotter reported that dime sized hail fell.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jefferson

When: December 23, 7:22 PM EST
Where: Jefferson County, 1.77 mi WNW of Highlands
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.240, -85.710

The public reported to the NWS that severe thunderstorm winds brought down a tree on a building.

Thunderstorm Wind, Grayson

When: December 23, 6:22 PM CST
Where: Grayson County, 0.55 mi E of Leitchfield
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.480, -86.290

Grayson County law enforcement officials reported that trees were down in Leitchfield because of severe thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hardin

When: December 23, 7:34 PM EST
Where: Hardin County, Rineyville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.750, -85.970

Hardin County law enforcement officials reported trees down across Hardin County due to severe thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Butler

When: December 23, 6:40 PM CST
Where: Butler County, 1.3 mi ENE of Davenport
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.190, -86.710

A public report was received via social media of trees down over Russellville Road south of Morgantown.

Flash Flood, Butler

When: December 23, 6:53 PM CST
Where: Butler County, 0.88 mi SW of Elfie to 0.67 mi SW of Elfie
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.370, -86.610

The Butler County emergency manager reported heavy flooding at Oak Ridge Rd and Indian Camp Creek. Water rose over the bridge and roadway, washing out a portion of the road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Spencer

When: December 23, 7:58 PM EST
Where: Spencer County, 2.82 mi S of Crenshaw
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.010, -85.480

The Spencer County emergency manager reported to the NWS that trees were brought down on Max Rouse Road in the southwest portions of Spencer County.

Hail, Edmonson

When: December 23, 7:05 PM CST
Where: Edmonson County, 0.88 mi SW of Segal
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.190, -86.390

A trained spotter reported hail 0.88 inch in diameter along with wind gusts estimated to be between 50 and 55 mph.

Hail, Nelson

When: December 23, 8:10 PM EST
Where: Nelson County, Fairfield
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 37.930, -85.380

An amateur radio operator reported that hail up to 3/4 inch in diameter fell along with a 50 mph wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind, Spencer

When: December 23, 8:12 PM EST
Where: Spencer County, 1.09 mi E of Wakefield
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.970, -85.280

The Spencer County emergency manager reported that trees were down due to severe thunderstorm winds on Cecil Noel Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Shelby

When: December 23, 8:14 PM EST
Where: Shelby County, 1.38 mi S of Shelbyville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.200, -85.230

Local law enforcement officials reported trees down on Kentucky Street due to severe thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Grayson

When: December 23, 7:17 PM CST
Where: Grayson County, Wax
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.350, -86.130

Local law enforcement officials reported that trees were down in the town of Wax as a result of severe thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hardin

When: December 23, 8:26 PM EST
Where: Hardin County, 2.97 mi SSW of Sonora
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.480, -85.920

Local law enforcement officials reported trees down across Hardin County as a result of severe thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Larue

When: December 23, 8:33 PM EST
Where: Larue County, 1.76 mi SE of Hodgenville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.550, -85.730

LaRue County law enforcement officials reported a few trees down in Hodgenville because of severe thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Scott

When: December 23, 8:35 PM EST
Where: Scott County, 0.88 mi NW of Sadieville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.390, -84.540

A public report was received that several trees were down in the area as a result of severe thunderstorm winds.

Hail, Franklin

When: December 23, 8:35 PM EST
Where: Franklin County, 1.77 mi WNW of Stedmantown
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.230, -84.850

A public report was received via social media of hail measuring 1 inch in diameter.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodford

When: December 23, 8:45 PM EST
Where: Woodford County, Millville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.130, -84.820

Local law enforcement officials from Woodford County reported to the NWS that several trees were down throughout Woodford County because of severe thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin

When: December 23, 8:50 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

A Kentucky Mesonet station recorded a 55 knot wind gust due to severe thunderstorms.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodford

When: December 23, 9:05 PM EST
Where: Woodford County, 0.88 mi SW of Pisgah
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.040, -84.660

Local law enforcement officials from Woodford County reported to the NWS that several trees were down throughout the county as a result of severe thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Harrison

When: December 23, 9:06 PM EST
Where: Harrison County, Kelat
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.520, -84.300

Harrison County law enforcement officials reported trees down across Highway 1032E as a result of severe thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Harrison

When: December 23, 9:08 PM EST
Where: Harrison County, 0.54 mi E of Colbys Store
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.480, -84.290

Local law enforcement reported that trees were brought down across Upper Curry Road near Highway 27 as a result of severe thunderstorm winds.

Hail, Larue

When: December 23, 9:12 PM EST
Where: Larue County, 0.55 mi E of Hodgenville
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.570, -85.740

The public reported that hail up to 3/4 inch in diameter fell.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette

When: December 23, 9:13 PM EST
Where: Fayette County, 0.54 mi W of Greendale
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.100, -84.530

The public reported to the NWS numerous downed trees across the city and county as a result of severe thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Taylor

When: December 23, 10:04 PM EST to 10:07 PM EST
Where: Taylor County, Burdick
Measured: 86 kt (99 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $400,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.270, -85.380

A NWS storm survey team concluded that a series of microbursts with a fast moving storm produced straight line wind damage in a swath up to 1/2 mile wide south of Campbellsville. Winds were estimated to be between 90 and 100 mph. Six barns or metal outbuildings received extensive damage, ranging from loss of roof panels to complete collapse of structures, with debris generally fanned out to the northeast. An RV was also destroyed when it was lifted off its blocks and pushed down a hill.

Flood, Anderson

When: December 23, 10:50 PM EST
Where: Anderson County, 0.69 mi N of Fox Creek to 0.79 mi N of Fox Creek
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.990, -84.970

Anderson County law enforcement reported a high water rescue to the NWS. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain fell in a short period of time due to a line of severe thunderstorms.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clinton

When: December 23, 11:07 PM CST
Where: Clinton County, 0.89 mi SE of Nora
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.740, -85.020

Clinton County officials reported to the NWS that trees were down across Davis Road near the Wayne County line as a result of severe thunderstorm winds.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
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.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Kentucky in 2015 Every state in 2015 This day in weather history Warnings in Kentucky, December 2015

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: 605586, 605595, 605587, 605588, 605598, 605600, 605599, 606264, 605570, 606265, 605591, 605601, 606266, 605567, 605589, 605590, 605602, 605603, 605597, 606262, 605568, 605592, 605593, 605569, 605578, 605576, 605577, 605581, 605573, 605596, 605582, 605572, 605583, 605579, 605580, 605594, 605575, 605585, 606263, 605584.