Severe storms developed across eastern Kentucky during the evening hours of June 5, 2019. These thunderstorms developed ahead of an approaching frontal boundary.
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 JKL wrote it up.
Severe storms developed across eastern Kentucky during the evening hours of June 5, 2019. These thunderstorms developed ahead of an approaching frontal boundary. The main threat early on was large hail. An organized line of showers and storms then moved in from the north, producing more localized wind damage.
Significant hail up to 2 inches in diameter was reported in Wolfe County with the early storms. There were also numerous trees blown down in areas, generally along and north of the Mountain Parkway.
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 Jackson, KY wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jun 5, 3:42 PM EST, 1 hour 31 minutes earlier.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION National Weather Service Jackson KY 442 PM EDT Wed Jun 5 2019 .SHORT TERM...(This evening through Thursday night) Issued at 330 PM EDT WED JUN 5 2019 The forecast for the short term period was challenging. Several different forecast models that were looked at were producing different solutions with regards to timing of new convective development and evolution to the north of and across eastern Kentucky, especially through around 0Z tonight. That being said, liked the HRRR solution the best for the rest of this afternoon and this evening, so that model was used for that portion of the forecast. Some adjustments were made to match up better with neighboring offices. The HRRR and NAM12 models both had much higher probabilities of rain for the late evening and overnight periods, which was the preferred solution. So, ultimately it was decided to go with a 30 to 40 percent chance of showers and storms through early this evening, before ramping up the chances overnight. The possibility still exists for a few storms to produce damaging wind gusts this evening, especially north of the Mountain Parkway and along and north of the I-64. Rain chances will last through the end of the week and beyond, as a frontal boundary stalls out over the area. We will also be closely monitoring the potential for locally heavy rain and flooding to end the week, as the front stalls out and a steady stream of Gulf of Mexico moisture flows into the region. Temperatures in general will be above normal for the next couple of days. Lows the next two nights are expected to be in the low to mid 60s. Highs on Thursday should max out in the lower 80s across the area. .LONG TERM...(Friday through Wednesday) Issued at 442 PM EDT WED JUN 5 2019 The models are in decent agreement with the upper level pattern for the extended. A closed low aloft located over the ARKLATEX region will slowly make its way eastward, progressing over the Tennessee Valley and lower Ohio Valley into early next week. It will then start to phase into the northern stream flow, becoming an amplified trough. By Tuesday afternoon, this trough will span to be the length of the entire east coast. Zonal flow will then take hold briefly early on Wednesday over eastern Kentucky before another shortwave trough is expected to advance towards the Ohio Valley. At the surface, a stalled front over the southern portion of the state will continue to weaken Friday. Another low pressure system over the ARKLATEX region will then move over the Tennessee Valley, clipping southern Kentucky, through the weekend into Monday. A cold front will quickly follow and progress over the Ohio Valley through Tuesday. By Wednesday morning, this front is expected to pass to the south of the Commonwealth and high pressure will begin to take hold over the central CONUS. The upper level and surface patterns mentioned above will lead to daily chances of showers through Monday. With slow storm motions expected as well as PWATs from GFS model soundings between 1.6 to 2.0 inches through Monday, the potential for localized flooding continues to be a concern. At this time, between 0.25 to 1.5 inches of rainfall is expected during this time as well. Furthermore, thunderstorms will be possible mainly during the afternoon and evening hours through Monday. The better instability, according to the GFS, looks to be on Friday and Monday. With FROPA and surface high pressure taking hold, showers will begin tapering off early Tuesday and drier conditions are expected to return midweek. High temperatures will generally be in the upper 70s and lower 80s through the extended period. The exception to this will be Tuesday, where highs are expected to be in the mid 70s due to FROPA. Low temperatures will be in the 60s through Monday morning. FROPA Tuesday will lead to cooler lows into midweek, with mid to upper 50s expected by Wednesday morning. && .AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS through 18Z Thursday afternoon) ISSUED AT 157 PM EDT WED JUN 5 2019 Based on current trends in radar and model data, only isolated showers or storms are expected to occur this afternoon into early this evening. The main push of rain in the near term is expected to occur from late this evening through the overnight hours, as a frontal boundary sinks slowly southward and eventually stalls over the area. VFR conditions will prevail until more widespread showers and storms form this evening and tonight. Once that happens, any given TAF site that experiences a storm or intense shower could see brief periods of MVFR to IFR conditions. This pattern should persist through the end of the TAF period. && .JKL WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... NONE. && SHORT TERM...AR LONG TERM...CGAL AVIATION...AR
Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED National Weather Service Jackson KY 408 PM EDT Wed Jun 5 2019 KYZ044-050>052-058>060-068-069-079-080-083>088-104-106>120-061100- Fleming-Montgomery-Bath-Rowan-Estill-Powell-Menifee-Rockcastle- Jackson-Pulaski-Laurel-Wayne-McCreary-Whitley-Knox-Bell-Harlan- Elliott-Morgan-Johnson-Wolfe-Magoffin-Floyd-Lee-Breathitt-Knott- Owsley-Perry-Clay-Leslie-Letcher-Martin-Pike- Including the cities of Flemingsburg, Camargo, Jeffersonville, Mount Sterling, Owingsville, Morehead, Irvine, Ravenna, Clay City, Stanton, Frenchburg, Brodhead, Mount Vernon, McKee, Annville, Burnside, Somerset, London, Monticello, Stearns, Whitley City, Corbin, Williamsburg, Barbourville, Middlesboro, Pineville, Cumberland, Harlan, Sandy Hook, West Liberty, Paintsville, Campton, Salyersville, Prestonsburg, Wheelwright, Beattyville, Jackson, Hindman, Pippa Passes, Booneville, Hazard, Manchester, Hyden, Jenkins, Whitesburg, Inez, Coal Run, Elkhorn City, Pikeville, and South Williamson 408 PM EDT Wed Jun 5 2019 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of eastern Kentucky. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Thunderstorms are expected this afternoon through tonight. A few storms this evening into early tonight may produce damaging wind gusts, especially north of the Hal Rogers Parkway and along and west of a line from Wrigley to Slade to Mount Vernon. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. Thunderstorms will be possible at times from Thursday through Monday. Slow moving storms from Thursday through Monday could produce locally heavy rainfall leading to a flash flood threat. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report any instances of severe weather that occur through late this evening. AR/CGAL
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service JACKSON KY 528 PM EDT Wed Jun 5 2019 KYZ080-086-116-052200- Clay-Knox-Laurel- 528 PM EDT Wed Jun 5 2019 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT SOUTHEASTERN LAUREL...NORTH CENTRAL KNOX AND WESTERN CLAY COUNTIES... At 527 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Levi Jackson S.P., or near London, moving east at 20 mph. Winds in excess of 40 mph and penny size hail are possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... London, Manchester, Grace, Fariston, Lake, Cane Creek, Fogertown, Treadway, Bush, Jonsee, Herron, Hooker, Byron, Park Valley, Cottongin, Sacker Gap, House, Levi Jackson S.P., Sibert and Lesbas. 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. 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 3702 8404 3713 8410 3728 8377 3702 8368 TIME...MOT...LOC 2127Z 253DEG 19KT 3709 8403 JMW
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
530 PM EDT Wed Jun 5 2019
KYZ069-114-116-052200-
Jackson-Clay-Owsley-
530 PM EDT Wed Jun 5 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT CENTRAL OWSLEY...SOUTHEASTERN
JACKSON AND NORTHERN CLAY COUNTIES...
At 529 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over High Knob, or
10 miles southeast of McKee, moving east at 25 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Seth, Blake, Egypt, Southfork, Zekes Point, Maulden, Island City,
Annville, Tyner, Newfound, Settle Store, Chestnutburg, Shepherdtown,
Datha, Gobbard, Nathanton, Malcomb, Thomas, Royrader and Sextons
Creek.
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.
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 3725 8394 3725 8395 3732 8397 3746 8364
3725 8359 3723 8394
TIME...MOT...LOC 2129Z 256DEG 23KT 3730 8390
JMWSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
549 PM EDT Wed Jun 5 2019
KYZ068-079-052215-
Rockcastle-Pulaski-
549 PM EDT Wed Jun 5 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHEASTERN PULASKI AND
SOUTHWESTERN ROCKCASTLE COUNTIES...
At 549 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Science Hill,
or 9 miles north of Somerset, moving east at 25 mph.
Winds in excess of 30 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Mount Vernon, Science Hill, Bobtown, Bandy, Pongo, Woodstock, Wabp,
Hansford, Dabney, Valley Oak, Willailla, Pine Hill, Flat Rock,
Wellhope, Sand Hill, Burr, Bloss, Bromo, Luner and Level Green.
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.
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 3728 8466 3737 8426 3724 8425 3722 8427
3720 8426 3720 8428 3718 8427 3717 8430
3716 8429 3714 8429 3718 8469 3725 8471
TIME...MOT...LOC 2149Z 265DEG 23KT 3722 8461
JMWSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
551 PM EDT Wed Jun 5 2019
KYZ059-060-106-108-112-052230-
Menifee-Breathitt-Morgan-Wolfe-Powell-
551 PM EDT Wed Jun 5 2019
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT EAST CENTRAL POWELL...
SOUTHWESTERN MORGAN...SOUTHEASTERN MENIFEE...NORTH CENTRAL BREATHITT
AND WOLFE COUNTIES...
At 551 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Red River
Gorge, or 7 miles northwest of Campton, moving east at 25 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph and nickel size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Campton, Simpson, Lewis, Campsites in the Indian Creek area of the
Daniel Boone National Forrest, Lexie, Rexville, Pekin, Pine Ridge,
Sellars, Rock Lick, Panama, Moct, Pomeroyton, Ezel, Haystack,
Gosneyville, Cottle, Gordon Ford, Taulbee and Malaga.
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.
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 3789 8320 3778 8325 3777 8327 3776 8326
3760 8333 3781 8372 3790 8368
TIME...MOT...LOC 2151Z 286DEG 23KT 3781 8363
JPSpecial Weather Statement National Weather Service JACKSON KY 611 PM EDT Wed Jun 5 2019 KYZ044-050>052-060-052300- Rowan-Montgomery-Menifee-Fleming-Bath- 611 PM EDT Wed Jun 5 2019 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHEASTERN MONTGOMERY... BATH...NORTHEASTERN MENIFEE...SOUTHERN FLEMING AND SOUTHWESTERN ROWAN COUNTIES... At 610 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Owingsville, moving east at 25 mph. Winds in excess of 40 mph and nickel size hail are possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Morehead, Owingsville, Marshall, Salt Lick, Ramey, Preston, Reynoldsville, Wyoming, Peasticks, Olympia Springs, Yale, Moore's Ferry, Flat Creek, Odessa, Stepstone, Bourbon Furnace, Bangor, Slate Valley, Cogswell and Crooks. 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. 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 3812 8392 3824 8385 3821 8338 3793 8347 TIME...MOT...LOC 2210Z 285DEG 22KT 3814 8379 JP
The Jackson,KY radar (KJKL), 28 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:11 UTC.
13 thunderstorm wind, 7 hail, 2 heavy rain. Local standard time, as filed.
An NWS Employee observed golf ball sized hail while dispatch reported 2 inch diameter hail between Trent and Toliver.
A citizen observed 2 inch diameter hail in Hazel Green.
A citizen observed half dollar sized hail in Helechawa.
A citizen observed golf ball sized hail in Polksville.
Dispatch reported two large trees down off of Stamper Branch Road in Hazel Green.
Dispatch relayed a report of a tree down along Kentucky Highway 211 south of Salt Lick.
A citizen observed quarter sized hail south of Ashers Fork.
A trained spotter observed penny sized hail near Eugene.
An NWS Employee observed large limbs down along Kentucky Highway 30 southwest of Hendricks.
Dispatch reported a tree down south of Wrigley.
Dispatch reported a tree blown down on Kentucky Highway 30 near Highland Turner Elementary School in Turkey.
A SKYWARN Spotter observed quarter sized hail from Sebastian's Branch to southeast of Talbert.
The county Emergency Manager reported trees and power lines down on Cecil Pike Road off of Kentucky Highway 11.
The Department of Highways relayed a report of a large tree down on Sugar Grove Road southwest of Owingsville.
Dispatch reported a tree down off of Kentucky Highway 211 south of Salt Lick.
A trained spotter observed a tree down off of Christy Creek Road east of Morehead.
Dispatch reported numerous trees down in West Liberty. This includes along Main Street, Kentucky Highway 519, and Kentucky Highway 191.
Dispatch reported trees down from Rogers to southwest of Campton, including one on a cabin near Rogers and one on Sandy Ridge Road southwest of Campton.
Dispatch relayed a report of a tree down on Kentucky Highway 191 in Trent.
A citizen observed two downed trees along Kentucky Highway 541 south of War Creek, subsequently knocking out power to nearby residences.
A citizen received 2 inches of rain in about half an hour, leading to several small mudslides southwest of Jackson. This includes one on Kentucky Highway 2469.
Department of Highway officials reported a large rockslide on Kentucky Highway 1110 just south of the Kentucky Highway 397 intersection southwest of Haddix.
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, June 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: 817270, 817271, 817272, 817273, 817274, 817276, 817277, 817279, 817280, 817281, 817282, 817283, 817284, 817285, 817286, 817287, 817288, 817293, 817291, 817476, 817294, 817295.