Flood and Hail in Indiana, March 14, 2019

Name: Flood and Hail in Indiana, March 14, 2019
Start: 2019-03-14T09:30
End: 2019-03-14T19:00
Location: Indiana

March 14, 2019 · NWS PAH · 15 events in 6 counties and zones

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: $16,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 15

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.

Scattered thunderstorms developed ahead of a cold front on the morning and early afternoon of the 14th, producing isolated wind damage and large hail. Locally heavy rain resulted in isolated flooding. Through most of the day on the 14th, strong south gradient winds associated with the strong low pressure system gusted up to 55 mph at times. The low pressure center tracked northeast across the Plains to the Great Lakes region. The peak measured non-thunderstorm wind gust at the Evansville airport was 58 mph.

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 Mar 14, 2:43 AM CST, 6 hours 47 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 14, 2:43 AM CST, 6 hours 47 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Paducah KY
343 AM CDT Thu Mar 14 2019

.SHORT TERM...(Today through Saturday night)
Issued at 330 AM CDT Thu Mar 14 2019

Currently, the gusts have diminished below 40 mph. A few gusts did
exceed 40 mph recently, but they were associated with the
convective band. Altogether, there has been a diminishing trend
since midnight, when gusts were still in the mid 40s mph,
associated with the band. The short res modeling suggests this
trending will continue thru about daybreak. We loaded a blend of
namnest/hrrr/rap for the timing of the convection this morning,
with some adjustments, to place the peak pops a little further
east than the models, which are just a tad too far west.

The models have some disagreement on the (new) early-mid morning
convective band that will develop as the cold front approaches.
Some of the short res modeling suggests it will be further west,
then blow up east of the Mississippi, while the spectral models
still have it further east. We decided to blend the pops from
higher pops east, to lower pops west, vs the inherited set that
altogether dropped the pops off to the west. Am not comfortable
doing this, until at least we see the surface dew points drop
off/fropa. We're still running 60F or close to it in the Ozarks,
where it should stay til late morning.

The line of convection moving into central Arkansas will
advance/develop northward as it approaches with the eastward
advancing cold front. The models continue to paint an increasingly
high shear atmosphere, and as the front moves in, it should erode
the elevated inversion that inhibited deep layer convection
overnight. This will start to increase the threat for
thunderstorms, including strong to svr, further east, as the
morning wears on. The new SPC day 1 has our eastern counties in
Slight risk, with the Enhanced risk just to our east (touching our
CWA), with damaging winds and a few tornadoes the primary severe
associated hazards.

In addition, gradient gust potential really increases as the
inversion is eroded today. We loaded CONSALL winds/gusts, which
is the high end envelope guidance. It stays below High Wind
Warning criteria...but gusts 50 to 55 mph are possible. Note high
wind watches to warnings to our north/west...and will be
something to consider if we see Warning criteria gusts developing
later today/advancing into our northwest counties. We did extend
Advisory thru 00Z per collab. Start time of 14Z still looks
good/no change.

The event is effectively over/shifted east with the front between
21z-24z today, so no pops after 00Z Friday. High temps will drop a
good 25F from Thursday to Friday. These cooler post frontal temps
then hold into the weekend.

.LONG TERM...(Sunday through Wednesday)
Issued at 330 AM CDT Thu Mar 14 2019

The Ohio river valley will see broad, long wave troffing thru the
extended portion of the forecast, while at the surface, High
pressure is more or less the dominant feature. This should spell
mainly a dry and cool period, as a result. Some energy
occasionally digs into the trof base, and the models have been
consistent in their inconsistency on any qpf/its reflection here.
Removed spotty 15s Sunday afternoon/evening, with a weak front
passing to our northeast, though we did include a mention of
sprinkles in our farthest northeast counties, closer to the energy
source. Collaboratively agreed to remove spotty 15s in the early
week period as well. The only pops we left were for a cold front's
passage Tuesday night-Wednesday. This should be mainly a light
shower/low chance pop event. Critical temps late Tue night/early
Wed morning might lend a little either/or mention, but it should
be brief/of little impact. Below normal 50s/30s will be the rule
thru the period.

&&

.AVIATION...
Issued at 330 AM CDT Thu Mar 14 2019

Cigs range from low MVFR to low VFR, as large body of warm
advection showers/embedded storms moves over terminals early this
morning. Vsbys were restricted to MVFR and even IFR at times in
heavier rains. There should be a lull in activity in next 3 hours
or so, before another uptick as a cold front's associated
convective line develops and translates east later this morning
and into the afternoon. Restricted cigs/vsbys will carry thru the
day, and gusty winds will especially increase again from mid
morning to late afternoon. The front makes passage west to east
during the pm hours, and these restricted cat impacts should
improve markedly thereafter, heading into the Thursday night hours.

&&

.PAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IL...Wind Advisory from 9 AM this morning to 7 PM CDT this evening
     for ILZ075>078-080>094.

MO...Wind Advisory from 9 AM this morning to 7 PM CDT this evening
     for MOZ076-086-087-100-107>112-114.

IN...Wind Advisory from 9 AM this morning to 7 PM CDT this evening
     for INZ081-082-085>088.

KY...Wind Advisory from 9 AM this morning to 7 PM CDT this evening
     for KYZ001>022.

&&

Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 14, 3:34 AM CST, 5 hours 56 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Paducah KY
434 AM CDT Thu Mar 14 2019

ILZ075>078-080>094-INZ081-082-085>088-KYZ001>022-MOZ076-086-087-
100-107>112-114-151000-
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-
434 AM CDT Thu Mar 14 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern
Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast
Missouri.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

A wind advisory is in effect until 7 pm. Wind gusts 45 to 55 mph
are anticipated today. Refer to the Advisory for additional
details on this hazard.

Thunderstorms will redevelop during the daylight hours, and will
increase their potential for strong or severe storms moving into
the afternoon hours. The Storm Prediction Center has a slight risk
of severe storms along and east of a line extending from the
Wabash river, south through the Land Between the Lakes in western
Kentucky, with an enhanced risk just to our east. Damaging winds
is the main hazard, and a few tornadoes are possible.

Heavy rain causing areal flooding, as well as continued river
flooding, remain hazards as well. Refer to flood warnings and
statements for details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday

Gusty winds and lowering humidity may elevate fire danger Friday
afternoon.

Flooding that continues on area rivers and their tributaries
remains a hazard. Refer to the latest flood warnings and
statements for additional details.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is possible today.

In the hours before

Local storm report, Mar 14, 6:34 AM CST, 2 hours 56 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
734 AM CDT THU MAR 14 2019

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

0733 AM     FLOOD            4 NW LONE OAK           37.07N 88.72W
03/14/2019                   MCCRACKEN          KY   TRAINED SPOTTER

            WATER OVER MAXON ROAD.

&&

DWS

Local storm report, Mar 14, 7:23 AM CST, 2 hours 7 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
823 AM CDT THU MAR 14 2019

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

0821 AM     FLASH FLOOD      3 E HENDERSON           37.85N 87.53W
03/14/2019                   HENDERSON          KY   EMERGENCY MNGR

            *** 2 INJ ***
            WATER RESCUES UNDERWAY ON THE 8900 BLOCK OF
            LARUE ROAD.

&&

DWS

Local storm report, Mar 14, 7:30 AM CST, 2 hours before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
830 AM CDT THU MAR 14 2019

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

0821 AM     FLASH FLOOD      3 E HENDERSON           37.85N 87.53W
03/14/2019                   HENDERSON          KY   EMERGENCY MNGR

            CORRECTS PREVIOUS FLASH FLOOD REPORT FROM 3
            E HENDERSON. WATER RESCUES UNDERWAY ON THE
            8900 BLOCK OF LARUE ROAD. UPDATE FROM
            EMERGENCY MANAGER THAT THERE HAVE NOT BEEN
            ANY INJURIES.

&&

DWS

Local storm report, Mar 14, 8:04 AM CST, 1 hour 26 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
904 AM CDT THU MAR 14 2019

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

0840 AM     HAIL             2 NNW METROPOLIS        37.18N 88.72W
03/14/2019  E0.88 INCH       MASSAC             IL   PUBLIC

            SEVERAL REPORTS OF DIME TO NICKEL-SIZE HAIL.
            TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.

&&

DWS

Local storm report, Mar 14, 8:42 AM CST, 48 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
942 AM CDT THU MAR 14 2019

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

0914 AM     TORNADO          4 NNE LOVELACEVILLE     37.02N 88.80W
03/14/2019                   MCCRACKEN          KY   PUBLIC

            MAJOR DAMAGE REPORTED AT THE INTERSECTION OF
            US 62 AND HIGHWAY 286. TIME ESTIMATED FROM
            RADAR.

&&

DWS

Local storm report, Mar 14, 8:58 AM CST, 32 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
958 AM CDT THU MAR 14 2019

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

0931 AM     TORNADO          2 SE HEATH              37.07N 88.77W
03/14/2019                   MCCRACKEN          KY   NWS EMPLOYEE

            TORNADO JUST MISSED THE NWS WFO IN WEST
            PADUCAH.

&&

DWS

The radar

The Evansville,IN radar (KVWX), 4 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 15:30 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

5 strong wind, 4 thunderstorm wind, 4 hail, 1 high wind, 1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Gibson

When: March 14, 9:30 AM CST
Where: Gibson County, Owensville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.270, -87.680

Several large tree limbs were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Vanderburgh

When: March 14, 9:59 AM CST
Where: Vanderburgh County, 0.5 mi E of Evansville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.980, -87.541

A trained spotter estimated winds gusted to 60 mph.

High Wind, Vanderburgh

When: March 14, 10:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Vanderburgh forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 38.025, -87.586 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Gibson

When: March 14, 10:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Gibson forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 38.312, -87.585 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Pike

When: March 14, 10:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Pike forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 38.399, -87.232 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Posey

When: March 14, 10:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Posey forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 38.022, -87.868 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Spencer

When: March 14, 10:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Spencer forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 38.014, -87.008 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong Wind, Warrick

When: March 14, 10:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Warrick forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 38.092, -87.272 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Hail, Vanderburgh

When: March 14, 10:22 AM CST
Where: Vanderburgh County, 6 mi W of Evansville
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.980, -87.660

Hail, Vanderburgh

When: March 14, 10:29 AM CST
Where: Vanderburgh County, 1 mi NW of Evansville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.990, -87.563

Quarter-size hail was reported on the northwest side of Evansville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Vanderburgh

When: March 14, 10:43 AM CST
Where: Vanderburgh County, 2 mi SSE of Evansville
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.953, -87.536

A utility pole was down in a neighborhood southeast of downtown Evansville.

Hail, Pike

When: March 14, 12:01 PM EST
Where: Pike County, 3.5 mi ESE of Stendal
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 38.251, -87.090

Thunderstorm Wind, Warrick

When: March 14, 11:25 AM CST
Where: Warrick County, Newburgh
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.950, -87.420

A trained spotter estimated 60 to 70 mph wind gusts with tree damage.

Flood, Warrick

When: March 14, 12:07 PM CST to 1:15 PM CST
Where: Warrick County, 1.76 mi SE of Paradise to 1.79 mi SSE of Paradise
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.960, -87.360

Water was over Sharon Road.

Hail, Spencer

When: March 14, 12:09 PM CST
Where: Spencer County, 1 mi SSW of Rockport
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.867, -87.057

What these are

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.
High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.
Strong Wind: Non-thunderstorm winds below high wind criteria that nonetheless caused damage or casualties.
Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
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 Indiana in 2019 Every state in 2019 This day in weather history Warnings in Indiana, March 2019

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: 805918, 807461, 807565, 807566, 807567, 807568, 807569, 807570, 805930, 805929, 805922, 805926, 805924, 807450, 805925.