An unseasonably strong storm system brought heavy rainfall and isolated flooding on January 10-11th. The bulk of the event occurred overnight and into the morning hours on the 11th.
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.
An unseasonably strong storm system brought heavy rainfall and isolated flooding on January 10-11th. The bulk of the event occurred overnight and into the morning hours on the 11th. Rainfall totals ranged from 1 to 3 inches, which resulted in isolated flash flooding. Strong forcing associated with a potent 500 mb shortwave tapped into a very moist southwest wind flow. A weak surface low formed along a cold front over southwest Arkansas, then deepened as it tracked northeast across the Missouri Bootheel and into the lower Ohio Valley on the morning of the 11th.
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 Jan 11, 5:59 AM CST, 1 hour 4 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Paducah KY
559 AM CST Sat Jan 11 2020
.UPDATE...
Issued at 559 AM CST Sat Jan 11 2020
Updated aviation discussion for 12Z TAFs.
&&
.SHORT TERM...(Today through Monday night)
Issued at 215 AM CST Sat Jan 11 2020
The line of thunderstorms is encountering more stable air as it
shifts eastward across the region. As a result, SPC has shifted
the axis of slight risk for severe to the south and east, mainly
along/south of the Tn border. Nevertheless, the wind shear is
very strong, and small segments of the line may still present a
marginal risk for severe wind gusts.
With an additional 1 to 2 inches of rainfall expected with the
line's main pass, the Flash Flood Watch remains in effect. The
rain will be falling on well saturated grounds, although this
impact too becomes less the farther east the line progresses. As
a result, and after collaboration with LMK and OHX, our far
southeastern 3 counties, excluded from the FFA, will remain so.
Gradient winds gusting to 45 mph along/ahead of the line of
storms should translate eastward with time today. After fropa, the
winds shift to the northwest and begin a diminishing trend. As a
result, we anticipate an early cancellation of the Advisory,
particularly in the west. However, with the surface Low deepening
upon its lift northeastward across the FA late this PM, we think a
continuation of the Advisory thru those hours is warranted for
now. And there is some concern that deepening may produce a little
higher gust potential, mainly in the east.
There is a minimal chance for change-over pcpn, before ending, in
portions of our farthest northwest counties. However, the mean
moisture really drops off as this occurs, so little to no impact
is anticipated. This has been a pretty consistent signal the past
several nights.
.LONG TERM...(Tuesday through Friday)
Issued at 215 AM CST Sat Jan 11 2020
The primary forecast concern in the long term is the potential for
precipitation in three separate episodes. The first occurs over
mainly southern and eastern sections of the area Monday night into
Tuesday. The second arrives with a chance of thunder late Tuesday
night and Wednesday. The final chance arrives late Thursday night and
Friday, possibly in the form of a wintry mix. Forecast confidence is
about average with some improvement in agreement between model
solutions, but some differences that still need to be ironed out.
The upper flow pattern through much of the week will be dominated by
west southwesterly flow, with a brief period of west northwest flow
possible Wednesday night into Thursday night. Ripples of energy
traversing the active southwest flow pattern will provide periodic
chances for precipitation through the week. The first chance arrives
Monday night into Tuesday as an area of low pressure moves from the
Northern Plains into the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes region. A
split flow pattern will be in place during this period, and the best
moisture will remain confined to the southern stream, which should
keep the best chance of precipitation over the southeastern U.S. The
initialized NBM forecast precipitation probabilities appeared to be
overdone. However, it is possible that some light rain showers may
make it as far north as our forecast area late Monday night and
Tuesday, especially into western Kentucky. Thus, our forecast
reflects a rather sharp gradient from lower chances across our
northwestern counties to higher chances in western Kentucky.
By Tuesday night and Wednesday, the southern stream lifts northward
and appears to phase with the northern stream, thus bringing better
moisture influx and higher rain chances to the entire forecast area.
An area of low pressure is forecast to develop over the central
Plains Tuesday night, then stream northeast towards the Great Lakes
by Wednesday evening. Increasing moisture and forcing for vertical
ascent ahead of the front will result in a good chance of showers by
late Tuesday night and especially on Wednesday as the front moves
through. Both the GFS and ECMWF suggest a fair amount of instability
will be present late Tuesday night and Wednesday, and some of that
may even be surface based on Wednesday. With moderate deep layer
shear also forecast, will need to keep an eye on at least some
potential for severe thunderstorms during the day Wednesday, but
it's too soon to say anything with any amount of confidence at this
time.
Even though the initialized NBM forecast keeps precipitation chances
non stop through the entire week, deterministic GFS/ECMWF/CMC model
runs all suggest a dry period from Wednesday night through much of
Thursday night as high pressure builds in and the upper flow pattern
temporarily becomes west northwesterly. Our forecast adjustments
reflect the preferred dry forecast during this time frame.
By late Thursday night and Friday, another low pressure system is
forecast to develop over the central Plains in response to upper
level energy entering the Rockies. This low is forecast to move
northeast towards the Great Lakes region by Saturday. The approach
and passage of the low and its attendant frontal system will result
in the potential for precipitation as early as Thursday night and
continuing into the first half of the weekend. Thermal profiles are
cold enough to support the potential for mixed precipitation late
Thursday night into Friday morning, then again late Friday night
into Saturday morning depending on how quickly the front makes
passage. Will need to keep an eye on this time period, especially
early Friday morning, for a possible light accumulation of wintry
precipitation.
&&
.AVIATION...
Issued at 559 AM CST Sat Jan 11 2020
Low pressure and its associated frontal system will continue to
encourage waves of showers and thunderstorms across the region
through at least early afternoon. MVFR ceilings will prevail, but
temporary restrictions to IFR are expected. A trend towards more
scattered showers is expected by afternoon, followed by a return
to dry conditions by evening. MVFR ceilings should last through
the night. South winds ahead of the front will continue to shift
to the west and northwest with frontal passage. The strongest
winds are expected across western Kentucky and southwest Indiana
this morning, with gusts in excess of 30 knots. Winds should
gradually diminish from west to east tonight.
&&
.PAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IL...Flash Flood Watch until 3 PM CST this afternoon for ILZ075>078-
080>094.
Wind Advisory until 9 PM CST this evening for ILZ075>078-080>094.
MO...Flash Flood Watch until 3 PM CST this afternoon for MOZ076-086-
087-100-107>112-114.
Wind Advisory until 9 PM CST this evening for MOZ076-086-087-100-
107>112-114.
IN...Flash Flood Watch until 3 PM CST this afternoon for INZ081-082-
085>088.
Wind Advisory until 9 PM CST this evening for INZ081-082-085>088.
KY...Flash Flood Watch until 3 PM CST this afternoon for KYZ001>016-
018>020.
Wind Advisory until 9 PM CST this evening for KYZ001>022.
&&Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Paducah KY 316 AM CST Sat Jan 11 2020 ILZ075>078-080>094-INZ081-082-085>088-KYZ001>022-MOZ076-086-087- 100-107>112-114-121100- 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 AM CST Sat Jan 11 2020 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Widespread heavy rainfall continues with 1 to 2 inches of additional rainfall expected, locally higher amounts possible. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect through 3 pm today. Refer to the Watch for details. A small risk of severe weather continues today as a line of storms progresses across the region. The primary hazard with isolated severe storms is damaging winds. Strong and gusty non thunderstorm winds continue today, with gusts up to 45 to 50 mph possible. A Wind Advisory remains in effect through early this evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday There is a chance of thunderstorms late Tuesday night and Wednesday. A few of the storms on Wednesday could be strong to severe, with damaging winds the primary hazard. A mix of wintry precipitation is forecast late Thursday night into Friday morning. The potential for a light accumulation cannot be ruled out at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter reports of rain, flooding, wind, and storms are encouraged.
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY 318 AM CST Sat Jan 11 2020 ILZ076>078-082-083-086-087-089>091-093-094-INZ081-085-086- KYZ001>016-018-111030- WAYNE IL-EDWARDS-WABASH-HAMILTON-WHITE-SALINE-GALLATIN-JOHNSON- POPE-HARDIN-PULASKI-MASSAC-GIBSON-POSEY-VANDERBURGH-FULTON- HICKMAN-CARLISLE-BALLARD-MCCRACKEN-GRAVES-LIVINGSTON-MARSHALL- CALLOWAY-CRITTENDEN-LYON-TRIGG-CALDWELL-UNION KY-WEBSTER-HOPKINS- HENDERSON- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF FAIRFIELD, ALBION, MOUNT CARMEL, MCLEANSBORO, CARMI, HARRISBURG, SHAWNEETOWN, VIENNA, GOLCONDA, ELIZABETHTOWN, MOUND CITY, METROPOLIS, FORT BRANCH, POSEYVILLE, EVANSVILLE, HICKMAN, CLINTON, BARDWELL, WICKLIFFE, PADUCAH, MAYFIELD, SMITHLAND, BENTON, MURRAY, MARION, EDDYVILLE, CADIZ, PRINCETON, MORGANFIELD, DIXON, MADISONVILLE, AND HENDERSON 318 AM CST Sat Jan 11 2020 ...SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT... At 318 AM, a line of strong storms extended from Fairfield and Harrisburg in southern Illinois to near La Center, Kentucky. Movement of the line was east around 40 mph. By 430 AM, the line should extend from near Princeton and Evansville in southwest Indiana to just west of Murray, Kentucky. Expect very heavy rainfall that may lead to some flood concerns in time. Gusty winds 35 to 50 mph will be likely with the storms, which is about the same as the winds ahead of the line. Cloud to ground lightning will be a hazard as well. 08
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
338 AM CST SAT JAN 11 2020
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0155 AM TSTM WND DMG CAPE GIRARDEAU 37.31N 89.55W
01/11/2020 CAPE GIRARDEAU MO BROADCAST MEDIA
TREE BLOWN DOWN ON HOUSE IN TOWN.
&&PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
402 AM CST SAT JAN 11 2020
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0148 AM TSTM WND DMG 3 SE JACKSON 37.35N 89.61W
01/11/2020 CAPE GIRARDEAU MO EMERGENCY MNGR
FOUR BUILDINGS ON BIRK LANE DAMAGED,
INCLUDING ROOF DAMAGE TO CRADER TIRE.
&&
RJPPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
410 AM CST SAT JAN 11 2020
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0340 AM FLASH FLOOD 1 N DELTA 37.21N 89.74W
01/11/2020 CAPE GIRARDEAU MO EMERGENCY MNGR
SEVERAL ROADS IMPASSABLE AND COVERED WITH
WATER IN SOUTHERN PART OF CAPE GIRARDEAU
COUNTY. INCLUDED ARE STATE ROUTE N AND
COUNTY ROAD 244, HIGHWAY P BETWEEN RANDLES
AND DELTA, AND STATE ROUTE N AND COUNTY ROAD
236.
&&
RJPSPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY 427 AM CST Sat Jan 11 2020 KYZ001>003-006-008-009-011-012-111230- FULTON-HICKMAN-CARLISLE-GRAVES-MARSHALL-CALLOWAY-LYON-TRIGG- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF HICKMAN, CLINTON, BARDWELL, MAYFIELD, BENTON, MURRAY, EDDYVILLE, AND CADIZ 427 AM CST Sat Jan 11 2020 ...SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT... At 425 AM, strong thunderstorms were observed across Fulton, Hickman and Carlisle counties in west Kentucky. The storms were moving east around 40 mph. Through 530 AM, the storms will continue to track east, affecting areas from Mayfield to Benton and Murray. Strong wind gusts 35 to 50 mph will be likely in some areas. The wind gusted to near 50 mph just east of Hickman, Kentucky around 400 AM. Heavy rainfall will significantly reduce visibilities. Cloud to ground lightning will also be a hazard. 08
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
517 AM CST Sat Jan 11 2020
KYZ005>008-111145-
Marshall KY-McCracken KY-Graves KY-Livingston KY-
517 AM CST Sat Jan 11 2020
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHWESTERN LIVINGSTON...WESTERN
MARSHALL...SOUTHEASTERN MCCRACKEN AND GRAVES COUNTIES UNTIL 545 AM
CST...
At 516 AM CST, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 8 miles southeast of Lovelaceville to 7 miles
east of Fulton. Movement was northeast at 70 mph.
Winds 40 to 50 mph will be possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include...
Paducah, Mayfield, Reidland, Lone Oak, Ledbetter, Sedalia, Wingo,
Water Valley, Lowes, Fancy Farm, Brewers, Dukedom and Symsonia.
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.
&&
LAT...LON 3695 8881 3711 8860 3708 8857 3706 8850
3708 8845 3705 8842 3678 8842 3675 8845
3675 8849 3671 8849 3650 8870 3650 8881
TIME...MOT...LOC 1116Z 214DEG 61KT 3686 8876 3654 8875
08The Evansville,IN radar (KVWX), 35 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 13:00 UTC.
4 flash flood, 1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.
A trained spotter reported 1.2 inches of rain in the past hour caused flooding a couple miles southeast of Evansville.
Highways 68 and 165 were closed due to flash flooding.
Moderate flooding occurred on the Patoka River. The river crested at 20.83 feet around noon on the 18th at the Princeton river gage. Moderate flooding begins at 20 feet. Some rural county roads were closed in the vicinity of the river. Seasonal camping trailers closest to the river were moved to higher ground.
A small creek that flows into Cup Creek within a half mile of the Patoka River overflowed its banks. A county road was flooded, along with some fields.
Numerous roads were flooded and impassable.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Indiana in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyWarnings in Indiana, January 2020
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: 868881, 868884, 869117, 869103, 868883.