On the second day of heavy rain across central Kentucky, a quasi-stationary boundary was draped across the area. Training storms across south central KY in the morning resulted in significant flash flooding.
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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.
The episode as NWS LMK wrote it up.
On the second day of heavy rain across central Kentucky, a quasi-stationary boundary was draped across the area. Training storms across south central KY in the morning resulted in significant flash flooding. Strong to severe thunderstorms then developed during the late morning across east central KY. As these storms moved off to the east another round of storms moved in from the west in response to a system moving out of central Missouri. These storms resulted in many reports of wind damage as well as some additional flooding and flash flooding. Moderate shear contributed to an EF-1 tornado touching down in Louisville near the Ford truck plant.
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 Jun 26, 5:35 AM EST, 3 hours 25 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Louisville KY
635 AM EDT Tue Jun 26 2018
...Updated Aviation Discussion...
.Short Term...(Today and tonight)
Issued at 313 AM EDT Tue Jun 26 2018
...Another Round of Strong Thunderstorms Expected Today...
...Flash Flood Watch Issued for Portions of the Area...
In the wake of afternoon convection, we've been in a little bit of a
short wave ridge axis since last evening. This ridge has broken
down slightly as some additional convection has been firing east of
the I-65 corridor. Skies were partly to mostly cloudy across the
region with readings mainly in the lower 70s. In the near term, we
expect low cloudiness and scattered showers to continue across the
area with the best chances of rain mainly east of the I-65 corridor.
Temperatures are likely not to move too much through sunrise.
For today, quasi-stationary boundary will remain draped across the
central portions of Kentucky. Latest CAM guidance suggests that
another perturbation out across central MO will move eastward and
into our region this afternoon. We'll see some delay in
destabilization early this morning, due to low clouds. However, we
may scour out a bit quicker and then get some heating to destabilize
things for the afternoon. Shear parameters continue to look rather
marginal for organized severe weather. However, strong storms are
likely given the favorable/expected instability parameters and we
would not be surprised to have a few severe storms out there this
afternoon with damaging winds being the primary threat.
Of greater concern is the heavy rainfall potential. MRMS and
Doppler Radar estimates show a swath of 2-4 inch rainfall amounts
across the central portions of our CWA that fell yesterday. Another
round of heavy rainfall is likely today with the storms and this
will increase our flash flood threat. For this reason, have
coordinated with surrounding offices and will hoist a Flash Flood
Watch for the southern 2/3rds of our forecast area. Mainly in areas
generally south of the I-64 corridor. While widespread flooding is
not anticipated, there are a few areas that will likely see some
local flooding issues, especially if they get repeated storms.
Greatest flash flood potential would be in a belt of counties from
Hancock through Hardin and then eastward over into Madison County.
Temperatures today will likely average out in the mid 80s in the
north with mid-upper 80s across the south. Temps could end up being
a little under if convection gets going early and disrupts our
normal diurnal heating cycle.
For tonight, initial band of storms from the afternoon will likely
press eastward into diminish as they plow through eastern Kentucky.
We might see a brief lull in the action until the next wave
approaches the region late tonight. Initial thoughts were to allow
flash flood watch to continue into the overnight period. However,
low confidence on the mesoscale environment and overall storm
evolution for late tonight is of low confidence. Therefore, will
allow the watch to go until 03Z. An expansion in time/area may be
needed if successive forecasts key in more on the convective
evolution for later tonight and early Wed.
.Long Term...(Wednesday through Monday)
Issued at 315 AM EDT Tue Jun 26 2018
Wednesday - Wednesday Night...
Scattered to numerous showers and storms are expected Wednesday into
later Wednesday evening as a shortwave and it's associated surface
low pass through the Great Lakes region. Given moderate instability,
and some deep layer flow thanks to the shortwave energy, some strong
to severe storms will be possible. In addition, continued rainfall
over areas that have seen many rounds of recent storms could lead to
localized flooding issues. Look for highs in the mid to upper 80s
Wednesday, with lows in the upper 60s to low 70s on Wednesday night.
Thursday - Saturday Night...
Strong upper ridging builds over our region and then centers over
the mid Atlantic coast by late in the weekend. This will bring
overall drier and hotter conditions to the area. Can't completely
shut off the shower and storm chances each afternoon, however given
the subsidence offered by the strong upper ridge should see only
isolated coverage chances Friday and Saturday.
The bigger story will be the heat and humidity. H85 temps look to
climb into the 20-22C range which should support temps in the low
90s, with mid 90s possible on Friday. These readings combined with
dew points up in the low and mid 70s will result in max heat indices
in the 100-109 range on Saturday, and around 100 on Thursday and
Saturday. Will have to watch for the need for an Excessive Heat
Advisory during this time, especially for Friday. Overnight lows
will remain mild in the 70-75 range.
Sunday - Monday...
The upper ridge axis will lose most of it's influence over our area
by this time, as more zonal flow sinks over the northern third of
the CONUS. The Ohio River Valley will be situated between the
stronger westerlies and and a nearly stationary weak frontal
boundary to our N/NW, and the upper ridge to our E/SE. The heat and
humidity will still be around, but with the loss of
subsidence/capping from the upper ridge we should expect better
coverage and chances of storm development. For now, will continue
mention of scattered shower and storm development along with
continued muggy highs in the low 90s. Mild overnight lows in the 70-
75 degree range should continue.
&&
.Aviation...(12Z TAF Issuance)
Issued at 635 AM EDT Tue Jun 26 2018
Quasi-stationary frontal boundary will remain draped across the
region today. This feature will serve as a foci for renewed
convective develop later this morning and throughout the afternoon
hours. Upstream perturbation is currently over central MO. Latest
guidance has this moving into the Ohio Valley by late morning and
into the early afternoon hours. Greatest concentration of
convection will likely be in the 26/16Z through 27/02Z time frame at
all the terminals.
Outside of storms, we're expecting VFR conditions. However, this
morning, some MVFR and high end IFR ceilings will be possible at
KSDF and KLEX. These low clouds should scour out by mid-morning and
return to VFR conditions. Temporary drops to MVFR/IFR will be
possible in storms this afternoon/evening. Winds today will be out
of the south/southwest at 4-8 knots, but could be gusty within
thunderstorms.
For tonight, we should see a relative lull in convection for mid-
late evening with the next perturbation arriving into the Ohio
Valley toward the end of the forecast period.
&&
.LMK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IN...Flash Flood Watch from 11 AM EDT /10 AM CDT/ this morning
through this evening for INZ083-084-089>091.
KY...Flash Flood Watch from 11 AM EDT /10 AM CDT/ this morning
through this evening for KYZ023>030-034-035-038>041-045>049-
053>057-061>067-070>078-081-082.
&&
Short Term...MJ
Long Term....BJS
Aviation.....MJHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Louisville KY 643 AM EDT Tue Jun 26 2018 INZ083-084-089>091-KYZ023>030-034-035-038>041-045>049-053>057- 061>067-070>078-081-082-271045- Dubois-Crawford-Perry-Harrison-Floyd-Hancock-Breckinridge-Meade-Ohio- Grayson-Hardin-Bullitt-Jefferson-Shelby-Franklin-Spencer-Anderson- Woodford-Fayette-Nelson-Washington-Mercer-Jessamine-Clark-Larue- Marion-Boyle-Garrard-Madison-Butler-Edmonson-Hart-Green-Taylor-Casey- Lincoln-Logan-Warren-Simpson-Allen-Barren-Monroe-Metcalfe-Adair- Russell-Cumberland-Clinton- Including the cities of Jasper, English, Tell City, Corydon, New Albany, Lewisport, Hawesville, Hardinsburg, Brandenburg, Hartford, Leitchfield, Elizabethtown, Shepherdsville, Louisville, Shelbyville, Frankfort, Taylorsville, Lawrenceburg, Versailles, Lexington, Bardstown, Springfield, Harrodsburg, Nicholasville, Winchester, Hodgenville, Lebanon, Danville, Lancaster, Richmond, Morgantown, Brownsville, Horse Cave, Greensburg, Campbellsville, Liberty, Stanford, Russellville, Bowling Green, Franklin, Providence, Scottsville, Glasgow, Tompkinsville, Edmonton, Columbia, Jamestown, Burkesville, and Albany 643 AM EDT Tue Jun 26 2018 /543 AM CDT Tue Jun 26 2018/ ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM EDT /10 AM CDT/ THIS MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING... This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of south central Indiana and Central Kentucky. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to move through the outlook area this afternoon. The main hazard will be heavy rainfall with a risk of flash flooding. A few of the stronger storms may produce gusty winds. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. Additional rounds of thunderstorms will be possible on Wednesday. Heat and humidity will return to the region later in the week, with heat index values possibly exceeding 100 degrees Thursday through Sunday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters should report any wind damage or flooding. INZ076>079-092-KYZ031>033-036-037-042-043-271045- Orange-Washington-Scott-Jefferson-Clark-Oldham-Trimble-Henry- Harrison-Bourbon-Nicholas- Including the cities of Paoli, Salem, Scottsburg, Madison, Jeffersonville, La Grange, Bedford, Milton, New Castle, Georgetown, Cynthiana, Paris, and Carlisle 643 AM EDT Tue Jun 26 2018 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of south central Indiana and Central Kentucky. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to move through the outlook area this afternoon. The main hazard will be heavy rainfall with a risk of flash flooding. A few of the stronger storms may produce gusty winds. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. Additional rounds of thunderstorms will be possible on Wednesday. Heat and humidity will return to the region later in the week, with heat index values possibly exceeding 100 degrees Thursday through Sunday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters should report any wind damage or flooding.
The Louisville radar (KLVX), 114 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 14:01 UTC.
39 thunderstorm wind, 17 flood, 6 flash flood, 2 tornado, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.
Multiple roads were closed in Hustonville and the western portion of Lincoln County due to flooding. Flooding also occurred on US 127 north of Hustonville.
Several people were evacuated from homes near the 2141 Spur due to Harris Creek overflowing its banks.
There was a report of a power line down on White Oak Road and extremely high water in the area as well.
A power line was reported down at Woodlawn Road and Spencer Mattingly Lane.
There was a report of lightning striking a residence.
Trees and power lines were reported down by the emergency manager.
A trained spotter reported that streets were starting to flood in Richmond. There was very heavy precipitation and around 40 mph winds.
Trees were reported down on Versailles Road.
Flooding was reported on Buffalo Road in Marion County.
Water was reported over the roadway at Saint Rose Road and Booker Road.
There was water over the intersection of Highway 337 and Highway 243.
There was water over Calvary Road.
Several trees were reported down.
Several trees were blown down.
The emergency manager reported that flood waters were at least 6 feet deep, and that oil was leaking into the Green River. There was road and building damage at State Road 78 west of Stanford, State Road 2141, and State Road 1194 west of Stanford. To the south of Junction City at Mount Salem Road a trailer park was flooded. Al Schuler Road was washed out.
There was a tree reported down 7 miles north of Hardinsburg in the area of KY-2279.
There was a tree down on State Road 3199.
A tree fell on power lines on State Road 737.
There was a tree reported down on State Road 259.
There was damage to a building under construction.
A tree fell on the corner of a house in Harned.
A tree blew down on South State Road 333.
A tree blew down on State Road 1073.
Several trees were reported down.
Several trees were reported down.
There was a report of a tree down on a car on Grinstead Drive.
Power was out in many parts of Louisville due to trees taking power lines down.
There was a 50 knot wind gust measured by the ASOS at Bowman Field.
It was reported that Saint John's Road had some flooded spots, and there were tree branches scattered across the road.
AGC Automotive Americas had mechanical units blown off of their roof and metal wall panels blown approximately 1,000 to 1,500 feet downwind.
Trees were down over railroad tracks.
A NWS employee reported large limbs down along Rollington Road in Jefferson County and a picnic table in the middle of the main road in Oldham County.
There was a tree down on a roof.
This tornado touched down at the entrance of Westport Woods Apartments. Across from the complex numerous trees were snapped or topped off. On pacelli Place parts of trees were thrown into two houses, puncturing the siding. Most of the damage was high end EF0 around 85mph with much of the damage being 20 to 50 yards off the ground.
There were some hardwood trees uprooted and parts of them fell onto homes, fences, trampolines, and swing sets. Besides trees being twisted and turned in multiple directions, there was leaf and mud spattering on several homes in opposite directions of the storm movement. Intermittent tree top damage continued near Lake Louisvilla. At Westport Business Center there was significant roof damage with portions of the roofing material and parts of the roof supports 20 to 50 yards downwind and several windows blown out. At Ceva Logistics a large section of the north wall was pushed out due to 75-80 mph winds.
The tornado struck the north portion of Westport Bend Commerce Park, snapping and bending several trees. The tornado began to skip and struck a few trees in Forest Springs North before moving into Oldham County.
This tornado touched down at the entrance of Westport Woods Apartments in Jefferson County. After exiting the Forest Spring North subdivision, the tornado lifted briefly before dropping back down on the east side of Pewee Valley near Five Forks Drive. Near Manassas Drive a trampoline was thrown 60 yards and a large sycamore tree was uprooted next to an air conditioner that was thrown to the north. The tornado then increased in strength and uprooted several trees along Hawley Gibson Road. One resident lost twenty softwood and hardwood trees. The tornado lifted just east of Hawley Gibson Road, twisting several trees on a farm there.
The public reported backyards and streets were flooded.
There were trees reported down at Franklin Road and Chapel Hill Road.
There was a tree that had to be removed from Oak Tree Way, and another one that had to be removed from Elk Creek Road.
Flooding was over the road at 3700 Lexington Road.
Water was reported over the roadway in Cherokee Park.
Multiple trees were down across the county including some blocking roads. Some side roads are covered with water from small creeks that have overflown.
There was a tree reported down on Hurricane Ridge Road.
There was a tree reported down on Bastin Creek Road.
There were multiple trees reported down at East Cross Main Street.
There were multiple trees reported down at Lagrange Road.
Water was reportedly flowing across Lone Star Church Road.
There were multiple trees reported down at Point Pleasant Road.
There was a tree down on East Lovers Lane near US-68.
There was a tree down on Fisher Creek Road.
There was a 58 mph measured wind gust on the Bluegrass Parkway. Calibrated equipment was used.
There were several trees down in Hustonville.
There were trees reported down in the area.
Trees were reported down.
There was flooding on US 27 in southern Jessamine County.
There was a small building blown off of its foundation with debris blown approximately 800 feet downwind.
State Road 198 was closed due to flooding over the roadway.
Many trees were reported down.
There was a report of high water on highway 910, but it was still passable.
Seneca Park had roads that were flooded.
The 3200 block of Preston Highway was flooded.
There was flooding reported at Burton Pike.
A little water was over Old Danville Road.
A car was reported to be trapped in high water on Sebree Road at Duvall Station Road near Stamping Ground.
There was water over Ebenezer Road.
Water was over Old Sano Road , but the roadway is still passable.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Kentucky in 2018Every state in 2018This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Kentucky, 2018Warnings in Kentucky, June 2018
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: 757427, 757428, 757770, 757772, 757765, 757773, 757438, 757774, 757439, 757440, 757441, 757443, 757775, 757776, 757429, 757777, 757778, 757779, 757780, 757781, 757782, 757783, 757784, 757785, 757786, 757787, 757788, 757816, 757445, 757789, 757790, 757791, 757793, 757767, 757768, 757447, 757794, 757796, 757451, 757453, and more.