A complex of thunderstorms that developed over south central Illinois during the evening continued to enlarge as it tracked east across southwest Indiana. Isolated tree damage was associated with strong winds along the leading edge of this complex.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
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 PAH wrote it up.
A complex of thunderstorms that developed over south central Illinois during the evening continued to enlarge as it tracked east across southwest Indiana. Isolated tree damage was associated with strong winds along the leading edge of this complex. The storms developed ahead of a minor 500 mb shortwave trough moving into northwest Missouri, embedded within a broad cyclonic flow over the Great Lakes region and upper Mississippi Valley. The atmosphere remained moist and unstable well into the evening. Elevated layer capes were around 2000 ahead of a weak cold front approaching the Interstate 70 corridor.
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 Aug 21, 5:31 PM CST, 5 hours 1 minute earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Paducah KY 631 PM CDT Wed Aug 21 2019 .UPDATE... Issued at 630 PM CDT Wed Aug 21 2019 Updated for 00Z aviation forecast discussion. && .SHORT TERM...(Tonight through Friday night) Issued at 308 PM CDT Wed Aug 21 2019 Initial convection within the WFO PAH CWA developed shortly after 1830z, generally along and just east of the surface CAPE gradient and surface theta-e axis. As of 18z (1 pm CDT), LAPS surface data parameters showed an arc of higher theta-e stretching from Wayne Co. in southeast IL toward northern Johnson Co., back into Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Wayne, and Carter Counties in southeast Missouri. This area will likely be the focus of mid-late afternoon convective activity. Most of the storms that develop will likely be outflow dominated, with limited cold pool development. A few storms in the zone of highest CAPE gradient and moisture convergence may produce pulse thunderstorm wind gusts. Most of this activity should diminish in coverage and intensity by 00z Thursday (7 pm CDT Wednesday). This activity may translate into parts of southeast Illinois and northwest Kentucky during the late afternoon and evening hours. The more widespread convective scenario will develop after midnight, as the leading edge of a minor shortwave/vorticity lobe moves across Missouri, embedded in a broad northeastern trough. WPC Day 1 Excessive Rainfall guidance has shifted a slight risk for heavy (potentially flood producing) rainfall toward the I-64 corridor, extending south to route 13 in southern Illinois. The initial focus of heavy rainfall would be associated with the propagation of the MCS from eastern MO and central IL during the evening and overnight hours. This shortwave is expected to shear out with time, moving an effective frontal boundary into and across the WFO PAH forecast area on Thursday. With a series of mesoscale shortwaves expected move over this boundary on Thursday and Thursday night, expect periodic MCS (Mesoscale Convective System) development across the area. At this point, do not have enough forecast confidence on rainfall amounts for the consideration of and flood or flash flood watch for the area, given the potential for occasional breaks allowing for rain to recede from overland areas into creeks and streams. The boundary will gradually work southward Friday and Friday night. There are some model differences, especially with the Canadian, which pull the boundary and attendant precipitation south of the WFO PAH forecast area. For now, plan to hold with the NBM (National Blend of Models) guidance to keep rain chances within the southern third of the WFO PAH forecast area through Friday night. .LONG TERM...(Saturday through Wednesday) Issued at 308 pm CDT Wed Aug 21 2019 Models show a weak frontal boundary sitting south of the PAH forecast area through the weekend. Along with a couple of weak upper level trofs moving over the middle Mississippi and lower Ohio valleys, scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible through Sunday, especially across our southern half of counties and during the late morning and afternoon hours. The best chance of a completely dry period will be late Sunday night. As we get into next week, weak upper level disturbances will be the focus of any convective activity as southerly winds bring in more low level moisture. We will have slight to low chances for showers and storms Monday through Wednesday, with the best chances during the daylight hours. Over the weekend, easterly surface flow will keep high temperatures well below normal, with readings from around 80 degrees to the middle 80s. Southerly flow will return for the work week, and as a result, temperatures will moderate back to seasonal readings along with a rise in dew points back into the middle 70s. && .AVIATION... Issued at 630 PM CDT Wed Aug 21 2019 Confidence for convective activity impacting the terminals over the next 24 hours is not high, especially when it comes to the timing of said convection. Ongoing current convection will likely continue impacting KCGI and possibly KPAH over the next 1-3 hours and then a brief lull in the action is expected. However, late this evening and especially overnight, there is a fairly strong signal of more convection. How widespread and whether or not it will be heavy enough to bring cigs/vsbys down to MVFR or lower categories is still in question, as it the exact timing. We may end up having multiple waves of convection throughout the rest of the TAF forecast so decided to go with VCTS and PROB30 groups for now. Winds will be light and variable and aob 5 kts for the most part. Fog will likely be an issue at a couple of the sites as well later tonight. && .PAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... IL...None. MO...None. IN...None. KY...None. &&
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Paducah KY 316 PM CDT Wed Aug 21 2019 ILZ075>078-080>094-INZ081-082-085>088-KYZ001>022-MOZ076-086-087- 100-107>112-114-221000- Jefferson-Wayne IL-Edwards-Wabash-Perry IL-Franklin-Hamilton- White-Jackson-Williamson-Saline-Gallatin-Union-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- 316 PM CDT Wed Aug 21 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight Scattered thunderstorms are again expected this afternoon and this evening. Some of the storms may produce gusty winds, hail, and heavy rainfall. A few storms may pulse up to severe levels. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday There is a daily chance of thunderstorms through the entire period as a front wavers across our region. A few storms may be strong to severe on Thursday, otherwise the primary hazards will be lightning and heavy rainfall. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not anticipated at this time. However, spotters are encouraged to report any instances of flooding, strong winds, or hail. York/Smith
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
547 PM CDT Wed Aug 21 2019
MOZ100-109-110-212330-
Butler MO-Stoddard MO-Wayne MO-
547 PM CDT Wed Aug 21 2019
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN WAYNE...NORTHWESTERN
STODDARD AND NORTH CENTRAL BUTLER COUNTIES UNTIL 630 PM CDT...
At 547 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Lake Wappapello State Park, moving east at 20 mph.
Penny size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Lake Wappapello State Park, Puxico, Hendrickson, Wappapello and
Shook.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3704 9052 3709 9022 3709 9015 3687 9016
3686 9047
TIME...MOT...LOC 2247Z 260DEG 18KT 3695 9040
SPSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
906 PM CDT Wed Aug 21 2019
ILZ075-076-220245-
Jefferson IL-Wayne IL-
906 PM CDT Wed Aug 21 2019
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR WAYNE AND NORTHEASTERN JEFFERSON
COUNTIES UNTIL 945 PM CDT...
At 906 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Bluford, or 11 miles northeast of Mount Vernon, moving east at 40
mph.
Nickel size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Mount Vernon, Fairfield, Wayne City, Bluford, Cisne, Dix,
Jeffersonville, Sims, Keenes and Johnsonville.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3860 8834 3826 8835 3827 8895 3848 8898
3847 8870 3861 8869
TIME...MOT...LOC 0206Z 268DEG 37KT 3840 8873
SPSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
1032 PM CDT Wed Aug 21 2019
ILZ076>078-082-083-220415-
White IL-Edwards IL-Hamilton IL-Wabash IL-Wayne IL-
1032 PM CDT Wed Aug 21 2019
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHERN WHITE...WAYNE...
WABASH...EDWARDS AND NORTHERN HAMILTON COUNTIES UNTIL 1115 PM CDT...
At 1031 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9
miles southeast of Fairfield, moving east at 20 mph. Additional
strong thunderstorms were continuing to develop over this area.
Penny size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
these storms.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3860 8815 3857 8815 3857 8765 3851 8764
3847 8775 3842 8774 3834 8783 3828 8784
3831 8787 3827 8791 3830 8793 3824 8797
3826 8799 3820 8798 3817 8794 3816 8791
3815 8811 3814 8870 3861 8869
TIME...MOT...LOC 0331Z 249DEG 19KT 3830 8822
SPPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
1116 PM CDT WED AUG 21 2019
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1100 PM FLASH FLOOD 7 NNW BLUFORD 38.41N 88.79W
08/21/2019 JEFFERSON IL LAW ENFORCEMENT
WATER WAS REPORTED OVER HARMONY LANE IN
NORTHEAST JEFFERSON COUNTY. EXACT TIME
UNKNOWN.
&&
SPSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
1120 PM CDT Wed Aug 21 2019
ILZ077-078-083-INZ081-085-220500-
White IL-Edwards IL-Wabash IL-Posey IN-Gibson IN-
1120 PM CDT Wed Aug 21 2019
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR WHITE...WABASH...EDWARDS...GIBSON
AND POSEY COUNTIES UNTIL MIDNIGHT CDT...
At 1120 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 6 miles southwest of Mount Carmel to near
Carmi. Movement was east at 30 mph.
Penny size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with
these storms.
Locations impacted include...
Princeton, Mount Carmel, Mount Vernon, Carmi, Fort Branch, Albion,
Grayville, Lancaster, Haubstadt, Owensville, Poseyville, West Salem,
New Harmony, Crossville, Patoka, Cynthiana, Blairsville, Allendale,
Francisco and Bellmont.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3851 8765 3847 8775 3842 8774 3845 8760
3850 8758 3849 8750 3852 8747 3839 8741
3817 8754 3817 8769 3789 8771 3787 8782
3793 8789 3788 8795 3792 8813 3791 8829
3826 8822 3826 8815 3857 8815 3857 8765
TIME...MOT...LOC 0420Z 278DEG 24KT 3838 8788 3800 8815
SPPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
1124 PM CDT WED AUG 21 2019
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0945 PM TSTM WND DMG 8 N BLUFORD 38.45N 88.75W
08/21/2019 JEFFERSON IL LAW ENFORCEMENT
TREES REPORTED DOWN ALONG DIVIDE ROAD AND
HWY 37 IN NORTHEAST JEFFERSON COUNTY. TIME
ESTIMATED.
&&
SPThe Evansville,IN radar (KVWX), 30 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 04:32 UTC.
2 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A tree was down on Highway 56 in Hazleton, and another tree was down along a rural county road southeast of town.
Trees were blown down in the Wadesville area.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Indiana in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyWarnings in Indiana, August 2019
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: 841421, 841406.