Tornadoes and Flash Flood in Kentucky, March 1 to 2, 2017

The Butler County Emergency Manager reported structural damage to a boat dock on a pond. Also the severe thunderstorm winds resulted in large diameter trees snapped and uprooted along Highway 70 and Witaker Road.

The National Weather Service in conjunction with WxorNot Bowling Green Meteorologist Landon Hampton determined a low end EF-1 tornado touched down in southwestern Butler County. The tornado touched down south of D&G archery in far western Butler County. The overwhelming majority of the damage was snapped, twisted & uprooted trees. The only exception was a building damaged right near the initial point where it touched down near a pond. The tornado was in an extremely rugged area except where it crossed Hwy 70. The tornado ended about 3/4 mile northeast of Hwy 70 in rugged countryside.

The public reported numerous trees down in the area due to severe thunderstorm winds.

Trained spotters reported severe thunderstorm winds brought down utility poles.

The local newspaper reported that severe thunderstorm winds brought down several trees.

Local broadcast media reported numerous tree limbs fell on a vehicle.

Local broadcast media reported that two trees were blown down on Mellwood Avenue east of downtown Louisville.

The Franklin County Emergency Manager reported hail 1 inch in diameter.

A NWS Storm Survey team observed straight line wind damage at Masterson Station near Blackburn Correctional Facility where over 50 trees were snapped or uprooted, many of which were cedars or other conifers. All the damage was from the west-southwest to east-northeast. On the prison property, a metal outbuilding door and part of the roof sustained damage. Winds were estimated at 60 to 70 mph.

Kentucky State officials reported severe thunderstorm damage to roofs, trees and transformers on Yarnallton Pike. There was also damage to siding on Winding Oak Trail.

A NWS Storm Survey team in conjunction with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Food and Environment determined that 70 to 80 mph straight line winds across the Spindletop area of northern Fayette County. Very strong winds 50 feet off the ground hit over 10 agricultural barns causing significant damage to roofs and side panels. The debris pattern was spread downwind and eastward at least 1/2 mile. Several power poles were knocked over and several trees snapped and uprooted. The majority of the damage orginated on the southwest corners of the barns and pushed out to the northeast. The overall damage path extended 3 miles and had a maximum width of 1/2 mile. The duration of the thunderstorm event was approximately 3 minutes. Damage to the UK agricultural facilities was estimated to be in excess of 4 million dollars.

The public reported 2 large trees down, a fence snapped at the posts, and siding damage due to severe thunderstorm winds.

Local officials reported that numerous outbuildings belonging to the University of Kentucky were significantly damaged at Newtown Pike and Interstate 65.

The Bourbon County Emergency Manager reported numerous trees down across the area due to severe thunderstorms.

The Bourbon County Emergency Manager reported that severe thunderstorm winds destroyed an old barn.

The Bourbon County Emergency Manager reported that severe thunderstorm winds destroyed a barn.

The public reported trees sheared off several feet above the ground. A coffee tree was split and felled along with large limbs down.

A NWS Storm Survey team concluded that straight line winds occurred intermittently just south of the Ohio River from 2 miles west of Milton to 2.5 miles east of Milton. A mobile home park was damaged with multiple hardwood trees snapped, and a few un-anchored mobile homes slid off their piers. Winds were estimated between 70 and 75 mph at this location. Further east of Milton, the damage was more significant with large outbuildings either heavily damaged or destroyed. Large hardwood trees were snapped and uprooted. Debris was scattered 200 to 300 yards downwind. Maximum winds there were estimated to be 80 to 90 mph.

A NWS Storm Survey concluded that straight line winds resulted in numerous trees were snapped over a fairly wide area, though the swath of damage was riddled with many trees that withstood the wind. The most concentrated damage was along Buckhorn Lane where a row of trees lining the road were blown down. Another concentrated area was at the end of Secretariat Drive, next to a wide-open field where several trees fell around a property. One tree fell into a garage door, causing both a branch to poke through the 2nd floor siding into the house and damaging the back side of a car.

A NWS Storm Survey found an intermittent swath of straight line winds occurred from just east of Wises Landing in Trimble County east to the intersection of US 421 and Highway 316. There were two areas of more intense damage where 70-80 mph winds occurred. The first was along Gills Ridge Road where 2 large barns sustained serious roof damage and were shifted slightly. The second was along Smith Lane where several outbuildings were completely destroyed, and debris was scattered 200 to 250 yards downwind. Several homes sustained shingle and siding damage. Numerous large trees were also snapped and uprooted. Damage in this area was consistent with wind speeds between 65 and 80 mph.

The public reported that severe thunderstorm winds brought down several trees and power lines on Shiloh Lane.

The public reported several large trees down at a residence.

The Trimble County Emergency Manager reported that almost every house on Smith Lane was damaged. The severe thunderstorm winds resulted in most locations without power in the county. There were also many other buildings, mobile homes, and greenhouses damaged due to the thunderstorms.

Local broadcast media reported that severe thunderstorm winds brought down utility poles and power lines on Highway 79 just north of Irvington.

A NWS damage survey team in conjunction with Justin Hilliard-Remote Aerial LLC concluded that an EF-1 tornado touched down 2 miles north of Campbellsburg, KY, traveled 1 mile (crossing I-71 and overturning a truck), and then lifted 2.2 miles NE of Campbellsburg. The most significant damage occurred on Jones Ln where 100 mph winds completely destroyed a couple of large barns, along with other small outbuildings. In addition, a large grain bin was demolished, and an anchored mobile home was pushed off its foundation on the north side of the damage path. A large debris field was scattered 200-300 yards downwind. East of I-71, the tornado damaged more outbuildings, and snapped trees. After destroying another older barn, the tornado ended just east of Highway 55 where numerous softwood trees were snapped and uprooted. Very strong convergence was noted in the damage. Also of note, were several instances of straight line wind damage feeding into the main circulation from the south. These wind speeds were estimated at 70-80 mph. We would like to thank Justin Hilliard-Remote Aerial LLC for aerial drone photos.

A trained spotter reported power poles bent over along Crittenden Drive.

Local Fire Department reported that several barns sustained structural damage or were destroyed due to severe thunderstorm winds. There was also major roof damage on newer construction homes along with large uprooted trees. The highest concentration of damage was on Jones Road near State Road 55.

An off duty NWS employee reported 3 telephone poles snapped along Crume Road.

The Bullitt County Emergency Manager reported damage to barns and outbuildings. A gas pump station was also damaged by the severe thunderstorm winds.

A NWS Storm Survey team found straight line wind damage of approximately 50 to 60 mph just east of Whitfield, Kentucky on the Bullitt and Spencer County lines, and east into Spencer County. There was damage to a RV and its shed. In Spencer County, a roof was blown off of an older barn, and an older shed was moved off its piers. In addition, numerous cedar trees were blown over and large branches of hardwood trees were broken off. Overall, damage extended 1.25 miles east of where it began on the Spencer and Bullitt County line. The duration of the thunderstorm wind event was approximately 1 minute.

Trained spotters reported trees snapped or uprooted in various parts of the county.

The Spencer County Emergence Manager reported trees down across the county, on Highway 44, Lilly Pike, and Stevens Lane.

The NWS in conjunction with a Franklin County 911 Operator found intermittent straight line wind damage around Peak's Mill. The most concentrated area of damage was near the 7500 block of Peak's Mill Road. A 15 foot by 10 foot pole barn was knocked over along with several trees and some damage to roof shingles. Estimated winds were 55 to 60 mph with a half mile parth of damage at a maximum width of 200 yards.

The Franklin County Emergency Manager reported sheds were blown down due to severe thunderstorm winds.

The Scott County Emergency Manager reported that severe thunderstorm winds turned over a semi truck on Interstate 75. Also, multiple outbuildings were flattened along with several trees down.

Local broadcast media reported that severe thunderstorm winds stripped off large tree limbs around a house.

The public reported trees uprooted due to severe thunderstorm winds.

Local broadcast media reported that severe thunderstorm winds damaged a metal roof.

The Franklin County Emergency Manager reported multiple roofs off homes and damage to farm structures in the Peaks Mill Community.

Local amateur radio reported severe thunderstorm winds resulted in structural damage to a business.

Local amateur radio reported a business lost a roof due to severe thunderstorm winds.

The Scott County Emergency Manager reported trees on power lines near the county Emergency Operations Center.

Local amateur radio reported trees fell on a home.

The NWS in conjunction with Scott County Emergency Management found significant straight line wind damage 2 miles northeast of Stamping Ground. Maximum estimated winds were 80 mph. A large 100 foot by 100 foot well built barn was picked up and destroyed. The sheet metal from the barn was thrown nearly half a mile downwind to the east. Several trees were snapped or uprooted, especially at Long Lick Road. Several wood pieces of the barn were thrown several hundred yards and impaled the ground. The survey continued into Georgetown to Tripoint Road. A factory warehouse had significant roof and siding damage from 65 to 70 mph. Overall path length was 1 mile and the maximum width was a third of a mile.

The NWS in conjunction with Harrison County Emergency Management determined the area northeast of Cynthiana along Salem Pike had 70 to 80 mph wind damage. Besides trees being split and uprooted, a double-wide trailer was picked up off blocks and thrown 75 yards. A large deck structure on the front of the double-wide was thrown 40 to 50 yards to the east. There was 1 minor injury. Further east from the trailer was a large metal outbuilding that had roof and doors blown off. Several more trees were uprooted or split. One home had roof and siding damage. Another residence had their garage blown in, and a power pole was split and bent severely towards the east. A single family residence's front porch pillars were blown in. The other debris was blown 1/4 mile downwind. Peak winds were 80 mph. The duration of the thunderstorm wind damage event was 5 minutes.

Amateur radio operators reported that severe thunderstorm winds resulted in a semi truck being overturned near mile marker 129 on Interstate 75.

Fayette County officials reported that outbuildings belonging to the University of Kentucky were damaged at Newtown Pike and Interstate 75.

The NWS conducted a storm survey in northern Bourbon County and determined two concentrated areas of straight line wind damage. The first area was along the 700 to 800 block of Ruddles Mill Road. Several barns sustained significant damage with debris being thrown 1000 yards east. Several trees were split or uprooted. Most of the barns that sustained damage were on hilly surfaces. At Hillcroft Farm, 1818 Millersburg Road, a large metal barn sustained significant roofing damage. Further south on Highway 68 at Alder Nest Farms, a roof on a metal barn collapsed. During the survey, sporadic tree damage could be seen along Highway 68 and 27. The duration of the thunderstorm wind event was 3 minutes.

Officials at Mammoth Cave National Park reported numerous trees down.

The Harrison County emergency manager reported a mobile home was destroyed due to severe thunderstorm winds. This resulted in 2 minor injuries. Another mobile home and a barn had its roofs blown off. There were numerous trees and utility poles down in the area.

The Jessamine County emergency manager reported numerous trees down across roadways. A roof was blown off a sun room off a residence.

Trained spotters reported large trees down in the area due to severe thunderstorm winds.

A NWS Nashville Storm Survey concluded that an EF-1 tornado down southeast of Adairville, traveled 1.5 miles, and then lifted approximately 2.5 miles east of Adairville. Along its path, the tornado did minor roof damage to a house near Martin Rd. A home and an outbuilding had minor damage near Barnes Rd, along with several downed trees. The most significant damage happened just before the tornado lifted near Prices Mill Road, where a large barn lost a significant portion of its roof structure. Maximum estimated winds were 90-95 mph, and the max width was 50 to 75 yards.

The public reported approximately 30 large trees down due to severe thunderstorm winds. Two buildings sustained damage as well.

The Marion County emergency manager reported multiple barns destroyed along with sheet metal lodged in the trees.

The public reported flooding on Highway 2181 and the roadway was closed between mile markers 4 and 5.

County officials reported that severe thunderstorm winds brought down power lines onto a house in north central Taylor County.

A trained spotter reported 55 to 60 mph winds which knocked out power in the area.

A storm survey conducted by NWS Jackson concluded that 2 areas of straight line wind damage occurred near Richmond, Kentucky. The most significant damage occurred just south of Richmond where peak winds reached an estimated 80 mph as a mobile home park was damaged. An anchored mobile home was damaged and slid off its foundation. The second area of straight line winds was just north of Richmond and yielded maximum estimated winds of 65 mph.

The public reported that severe thunderstorm winds flattened a barn.

The Simpson County Emergency Manager reported multiple power poles down around Tyree Chapel Road at Hendricks Road.

Local broadcast media reported that multiple structures were damaged on Cemetery Road.

The public reported trees snapped in half, and roof damage to structures.

The public reported damage to a gas station on Berea Road.

The public reported trees down and houses damaged on Jack Johnson Road due to severe thunderstorm winds.

The public reported multiple structures damaged near 292 Martinsville Road due to severe thunderstorm winds.

Local broadcast media reported severe thunderstorm winds destroyed a barn.

Multiple structures were damaged due to severe thunderstorm winds.

The NWS in conjunction with Warren County Emergency Management determined a high end EF-1 tornado touched down in southeastern Warren County, east of I-65 near Claypool community. Several structures, residences, and barns saw extensive damage along Cemetery Rd and Martinsville Ford Road. The tornado tracked for approximately 3 miles, was 125 yards at its widest point, and had peak estimated wind speed of 110 mph.

The public reported that severe thunderstorm winds snapped and uprooted several mature trees which blocked Martinsville Ford Road, and damaged a wooden fence. There were also several outbuildings damaged.

The public reported trees down over Caney Fork Road near Cale Brown Road.

The Simpson County emergency manager reported power outages to the city of Franklin. Power lines and poles were down.

The public reported multiple structures sustained damage due to severe thunderstorm winds.

A trained spotter reported power lines down at the intersection of Highway 501 and 1649.

State officials reported multiple trees and power lines down in the area due to severe thunderstorm winds.

State officials reported several trees and power lines down in the area.

The Simpson County emergency manager reported multiple power poles down along Tyree Chapel Road at Hendricks Road.

The Simpson County emergency manager reported large trees down across Round Pond Road.

The Madison County emergency manager reported several barns were flattened due to severe thunderstorm winds.

State officials reported trees down in the area due to severe thunderstorm winds.

The Madison County emergency manager reported several mobile homes damaged due to severe thunderstorm winds.

State officials reported trees down in the area.

The Elkhorn Creek at Peaks Mill crested above flood stage at 11.71 feet for a short duration.

The Licking River at Blue Licks Spring rose above flood stage and crested at 27.23 feet.