A line of thunderstorms sagged southward across western Kentucky during the afternoon hours. Strong winds along the leading edge of this line produced isolated damage.
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 line of thunderstorms sagged southward across western Kentucky during the afternoon hours. Strong winds along the leading edge of this line produced isolated damage. The line of storms was initially well-organized as it moved into west Kentucky. Weak low to mid level wind shear was the main limiting factor for a more widespread severe wind event. Strong instability during the hot and humid afternoon hours resulted in the regeneration of intense storm clusters along the line. Although the line of storms became somewhat disorganized as it continued southward, low-level lapse rates were sufficient to support locally damaging winds with the strongest storms.
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 20, 1:32 PM CST, 18 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Paducah KY 232 PM CDT Tue Aug 20 2019 .SHORT TERM...(Tonight through Wednesday night) Issued at 232 PM CDT Tue Aug 20 2019 Line of showers and potentially severe thunderstorms will push through our region this afternoon, and south out of our region after 00z. With the atmosphere worked over, we should see quiet conditions this evening. Models indicate small chances of showers and storms moving in from the northeast tonight as a cold front remains to our north. The front should slowly sink south into tomorrow and tomorrow night, but models have trended slower overall with its approach. This will keep our area in a hot, humid and unsettled pattern through the near term. Convection chances increase a little each forecast period, and we have likely pops north to chance pops south by late Wednesday night. Moisture availability will make any thunderstorms capable of heavy rainfall. The other concern is the heat. Highs Wednesday in the lower 90s and dew points in the middle 70s could produce heat indices around 105 degrees. The caveat is the potential for increasing clouds/convection. An increase in clouds early enough in the day may take highs down a couple of degrees, keeping us below advisory criteria. The best shot to hit criteria is in our southwest counties, but confidence is is not quite high enough at this point. Will let following shifts make that decision, and will just continue with an SPS to highlight the potential heat indices. .LONG TERM...(Thursday through Tuesday) Issued at 232 PM CDT Tue Aug 20 2019 The primary concern in the long term is the continued potential for showers and thunderstorms, especially through Friday, as a cold front slowly drifts south of the area. Forecast confidence in the synoptic pattern is average with relatively weak flow through the period. A cold front is forecast to be draped just north of the forecast area Thursday morning. The front is expected to drop slowly south across the area through Friday. As ripples of shortwave energy traverse the weak zonal flow aloft, intervals of showers and storms are expected through late week. The exact timing of the best chance of storms will be highly dependent on largely uncertain mesoscale influences, so that's something that will need to be worked out in the meantime. Will keep likely rain chances across most of the area through Friday. With high atmospheric moisture content, some of the storms will be capable of producing heavy rain in a short amount of time, and this may lead to localized flooding in low lying and flood prone areas. Over the weekend, the cold front is forecast to stall and eventually wash out to our south. Some drier air will likely work into the area behind the front, but it's looking less certain that the entire area will completely dry out. As a result, the model blend keeps at least a small chance of showers and thunderstorms in the forecast through the weekend and into early next week, with higher chances in the heat of the day. Better chances during this time should remain south of the region in association with higher dewpoint air and well north of the region in closer proximity to the stronger mid level winds. Temperatures through the period should be near seasonal norms, if not a tad below. Highs forecast in the lower to middle 80s through late week should gravitate back into the upper 80s by early next week. Lows near 70 Thursday night should cool back into the 60s by the weekend, then rebound back to near 70 early next week. && .AVIATION... Issued at 232 PM CDT Tue Aug 20 2019 Thunderstorms will affect TAF sites through 00z with MVFR conditions likely and brief IFR possible, and wind gusts of 30 kts are likely, with higher gusts possible with stronger storms. Away from storms and also after 00z, VFR conditions expected. Small chances of showers and storms will return to KEVV/KOWB after 06z, though chances are too small to include right now, and MVFR fog is possible mainly at KPAH/KCGI/KMVN after 07z. Winds will be from the southwest at 5 to 10 kts, becoming light to calm overnight. && .PAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... IL...None. MO...None. IN...None. KY...None. && SHORT TERM...RST LONG TERM...RJP AVIATION...RST
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Paducah KY 933 AM CDT Tue Aug 20 2019 ILZ075>078-080>094-INZ081-082-085>088-KYZ001>022-MOZ076-086-087- 100-107>112-114-211445- 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- 933 AM CDT Tue Aug 20 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight A line of strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to move rapidly southeast through the entire region roughly from noon to 5 PM. Widespread damaging winds will be possible as it enters southern Illinois. It is expected to weaken considerably as it moves across the region, but at least sporadic damaging wind gusts will be possible throughout the region. Ahead of the line of storms, heat index values will climb into the triple digits, with a few locations mainly over southeast Missouri topping out near 105 degrees. The line of storms will provide rapid relief from the oppressive conditions, as it progresses quickly through the region this afternoon. A few thunderstorms cannot be ruled out mainly over the Evansville Tri State late tonight. Locally heavy rainfall and lightning will be the primary concerns. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday Heat index values will climb into the triple digits throughout the region Wednesday afternoon. The worst conditions are expected over southeast Missouri, where heat index readings over 105 degrees will be possible. A chance of thunderstorms is forecast Wednesday, with more numerous thunderstorms expected Wednesday night into Friday, as a cold front lingers over the region. A few strong to severe storms with mainly a damaging wind threat will be possible Wednesday and Thursday, but the main concern through the period will be heavy rainfall. With multiple rounds of storms expected, the threat for at least isolated flooding problems will increase Thursday and Friday. The cold front is expected to push south of the area Friday, but small chances of mainly afternoon thunderstorms remain in the forecast Saturday through Monday. Locally heavy rainfall and lightning will be the primary concerns. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will likely be needed across much of the region this afternoon, especially across southern Illinois, southwest Indiana and northwest Kentucky.
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY 112 PM CDT Tue Aug 20 2019 ILZ075>078-080>091-INZ081-082-085>088-KYZ014-018-019-MOZ076- 201915- JEFFERSON-WAYNE IL-EDWARDS-WABASH-PERRY IL-FRANKLIN-HAMILTON- WHITE-JACKSON-WILLIAMSON-SALINE-GALLATIN-UNION-JOHNSON-POPE- HARDIN-GIBSON-PIKE-POSEY-VANDERBURGH-WARRICK-SPENCER-UNION KY- HENDERSON-DAVIESS-PERRY MO- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF MOUNT VERNON, FAIRFIELD, ALBION, MOUNT CARMEL, PINCKNEYVILLE, WEST FRANKFORT, MCLEANSBORO, CARMI, CARBONDALE, MURPHYSBORO, HERRIN, HARRISBURG, SHAWNEETOWN, JONESBORO, VIENNA, GOLCONDA, ELIZABETHTOWN, FORT BRANCH, PETERSBURG, POSEYVILLE, EVANSVILLE, BOONVILLE, ROCKPORT, MORGANFIELD, HENDERSON, OWENSBORO, AND PERRYVILLE 112 PM CDT Tue Aug 20 2019 ...Special Weather Statement... At 110 PM, strong thunderstorms extended from near Mount Vernon and Pinckneyville Illinois, east to near Fairfield. The storms were just north of Albion and Mount Carmel as well. Through 200 PM, the storms will continue to move south, southeast across southern Illinois, and move into southwest Indiana as well. Strong winds 40 to 55 mph will occur with the strongest storms. Very heavy rain and frequent lightning are expected as well. There may be minor tree damage and isolated power outages. Cities in the path include Petersburg and Princeton Indiana, as well as West Frankfort, McLeansboro, Carmi, and Du Quoin, Illinois. We will continue to monitor for the possibility of severe thunderstorms this afternoon across southern Illinois, southwest Indiana and much of western Kentucky. Continue to monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local media for the latest on this developing weather situation. 08
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
149 PM CDT TUE AUG 20 2019
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0128 PM TSTM WND DMG MOUNT CARMEL 38.42N 87.77W
08/20/2019 WABASH IL LAW ENFORCEMENT
LARGE LIMBS DOWN ON EDGE OF TOWN.
&&
CTNSPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY 202 PM CDT Tue Aug 20 2019 ILZ081>094-INZ081-082-085>088-KYZ014-018-019-MOZ076-086-087- 202015- FRANKLIN-HAMILTON-WHITE-JACKSON-WILLIAMSON-SALINE-GALLATIN-UNION- JOHNSON-POPE-HARDIN-ALEXANDER-PULASKI-MASSAC-GIBSON-PIKE-POSEY- VANDERBURGH-WARRICK-SPENCER-UNION KY-HENDERSON-DAVIESS-PERRY MO- BOLLINGER-CAPE GIRARDEAU- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF WEST FRANKFORT, MCLEANSBORO, CARMI, CARBONDALE, MURPHYSBORO, HERRIN, HARRISBURG, SHAWNEETOWN, JONESBORO, VIENNA, GOLCONDA, ELIZABETHTOWN, CAIRO, MOUND CITY, METROPOLIS, FORT BRANCH, PETERSBURG, POSEYVILLE, EVANSVILLE, BOONVILLE, ROCKPORT, MORGANFIELD, HENDERSON, OWENSBORO, PERRYVILLE, MARBLE HILL, CAPE GIRARDEAU, AND JACKSON 202 PM CDT Tue Aug 20 2019 ...Special Weather Statement... At 200 PM, strong thunderstorms extended along a line from around Perryville, Missouri to West Frankfort, Illinois to Princeton, Indiana. Movement was south, southeast 30 to 40 mph. Strong winds along and ahead of the storms will range from 35 to 50 mph, which could result in minor tree damage and isolated power outages. The storms will also produce very heavy rainfall and frequent lightning, possibly small hail. The storms will move over the Shawnee National Forest area, much of southwest Indiana and back into southeast Missouri along the Interstate 55 corridor toward Jackson Missouri through 300 PM. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 800 PM. Continue to monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local media for the latest on this weather situation. 08
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
227 PM CDT Tue Aug 20 2019
INZ088-KYZ010-013>016-018>020-202015-
Spencer IN-Henderson KY-Crittenden KY-Webster KY-Union KY-
Caldwell KY-McLean KY-Hopkins KY-Daviess KY-
227 PM CDT Tue Aug 20 2019
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SPENCER...HENDERSON...DAVIESS...
NORTHEASTERN CRITTENDEN...CENTRAL CALDWELL...MCLEAN...HOPKINS...UNION
AND WEBSTER COUNTIES UNTIL 315 PM CDT...
At 226 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Dale to near Henderson to 6 miles
southeast of Shawneetown. Movement was southeast at 40 mph.
Wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph will be possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include...
Evansville, Owensboro, Henderson, Madisonville, Mount Vernon,
Princeton, Morganfield, Providence, Marion, Dawson Springs, Rockport,
Sturgis, Calhoun, Breckinridge Center, Sebree, Dale, Earlington,
Livermore, Clay and Uniontown.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM CDT for
southern Illinois...southwestern Indiana...and western, south central
and northwestern Kentucky.
LAT...LON 3790 8699 3779 8682 3767 8682 3748 8713
3741 8710 3739 8730 3727 8739 3706 8795
3747 8814 3749 8806 3770 8813 3781 8791
3793 8790 3788 8766 3783 8767 3798 8759
3788 8727 3820 8702 3820 8682 3800 8677
TIME...MOT...LOC 1926Z 332DEG 34KT 3818 8692 3786 8750 3763 8812
08PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
244 PM CDT TUE AUG 20 2019
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0236 PM BLIZZARD 2 WSW SANTA CLAUS 38.10N 86.96W
08/20/2019 SPENCER IN TRAINED SPOTTER
ESTIMATED 50 TO 60 MPH WINDS WITH SMALL TREE LIMBS DOWN.
&&
CHRISTIWPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
245 PM CDT TUE AUG 20 2019
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0236 PM TSTM WND GST 2 WSW SANTA CLAUS 38.10N 86.96W
08/20/2019 E60.00 MPH SPENCER IN TRAINED SPOTTER
ESTIMATED 50 TO 60 MPH WINDS WITH SMALL TREE LIMBS DOWN.
&&
CHRISTIWThe Evansville,IN radar (KVWX), 76 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:50 UTC.
3 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Isolated tree damage was photographed. Large tree limbs were down, along with at least a few trees. At least one of the trees landed on a house, and another landed on power lines. At least one road was blocked. The peak wind gust at the Owensboro airport was 54 mph.
Small tree limbs were broken off in the Greenville and Central City areas.
Tree limbs were blown down, causing power outages.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Kentucky in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyWarnings in Kentucky, 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: 840998, 840999, 841000.