Numerous showers and thunderstorms developed ahead of a cold front by mid-late afternoon across central Kentucky, moving into eastern Kentucky during the late afternoon and evening hours. Initially, many of these storms contained strong enough outflow winds to produce damage to trees as well as a couple of structures.
Every event with a place to put it; 2 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. 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.
Numerous showers and thunderstorms developed ahead of a cold front by mid-late afternoon across central Kentucky, moving into eastern Kentucky during the late afternoon and evening hours. Initially, many of these storms contained strong enough outflow winds to produce damage to trees as well as a couple of structures. As these storms moved farther east of U.S. Highway 23 into the mid evening hours closer to sunset, they weakened below severe limits. Additionally, stronger upper level forcing across northern to central Kentucky versus southern Kentucky helped to spare southeast Kentucky from any damaging winds.
As the cold front moved through during the late evening hours to just after midnight, strong winds accompanied the frontal passage across isolated portions of Floyd and Pike Counties.
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 10, 3:19 PM EST, 1 hour 25 minutes earlier.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION National Weather Service Jackson KY 419 PM EDT Wed Jun 10 2020 .SHORT TERM...(This evening through Thursday night) Issued at 358 PM EDT WED JUN 10 2020 A cold front is analyzed over central Kentucky this afternoon. Gusty southerly winds continue ahead of this feature. In addition, temperatures near 90, combined with dewpoints in the low to mid 70s has led to nearly 2500J/kg of MLCAPE across the area. Showers and a few storms are already developing just ahead of this boundary across central Kentucky, with a few others showers and storms developing on the terrain near the Tennessee and Virginia border. DCAPE values continue to range in the 1000-1200J/kg suggesting a strong potential for downburst winds with any more organized storms that develop. Given our effective shear has been increasing to between 35 and 40 knots, there is reasonable amount of confidence storms will continue to organize upstream as they begin to track east through the area this evening. Freezing levels remain quite high suggesting the large hail threat would be fairly limited. However, some smaller hail may be possible with the strongest storms. Tornado potential does not look as good early on, but RAP 0-1 SRH values increase to between 100-150 by 00z, suggesting the tornado potential could increase as we head into the later evening hours. We will continue to watch these trends through the evening. The cold front will push on through by late evening or overnight, with cooler and less humid air surging into the area behind the front. A difficult forecast for late tonight, as any rainfall combined with slower dry advection, could yield a period of fog (perhaps dense) for a period late tonight. However, without knowing how much rain or where the rain falls, hard to have much confidence with fog at this time. It does appear possible some lower clouds could also move in late which would limit the fog threat. High pressure will build into the region on Thursday with any clouds eroding through the day. Temperatures will be cooler, generally around 80. With high pressure continuing to build in Thursday night, a cooler night is anticipated with lows well into the 50s. .LONG TERM...(Friday through Wednesday) Issued at 419 PM EDT WED JUN 10 2020 A trough axis will be intact across the eastern half of the U.S. to start the period Friday. This trough will remain blocked and in place throughout much of the extended period, strengthening and developing an upper level low by the weekend. The ECMWF will keep the upper level low in place across the region through the end of the extended period, while the GFS will shift eastward bringing upper level ridging into the period to start the new work week. This trough will actually bring more northern stream air into the region, so high temperatures will not be quite as warm as has been in recent days, generally upper 70s and low 80s, warming into the low to mid 80s by the very end of the period. Despite the trough, at the surface, high pressure will be in control from Thursday through Saturday, with generally dry weather on tap. A week frontal boundary will drop south into the state during the day Sunday, and may bring some isolated and scattered precip to the region. There is quite a bit of disparity at this point in the models, though both the GFS and ECMWF have gone more dry for Monday. The NBM is still going with some scattered precip in the far east, but given the back and forth in the models, will stick with that at this time. The NBM seems to be bridging the gap between the two models for the remainder of the extended as the ECWMF brings the upper level low into the Ohio Valley, and the GFS has the upper level wave pushing into New England. Given how far out in the forecast period we are, just kept with the NBM at this time. If the ECMWF solution is correct, more rain chances are on tap for at least the far eastern portion of the state through the end of the extended forecast period. If the GFS is correct, however, we will remain nearly dry. && .AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS through 18Z Thursday afternoon) ISSUED AT 149 PM EDT WED JUN 10 2020 Gusty winds out of the south will continue this afternoon. A cold front will shift east this evening with winds transitioning to the southwest or west. The winds should remain gusty through the evening hours. With the frontal passage, a broken line of showers and storms is expected to develop and track east this evening. Strong wind gusts are possible with any storms that impact the area along with a brief period of MVFR cigs/visby. While a period of VFR conditiosn will be seen in the wake of the frontal passage, its possible better moisture moving into the region brings a period of MVFR cigs later tonight into Thursday morning. However, confidence is low on the developing of this cloud deck right now. Any low clouds that do develop should exit by midday Thursday. && .JKL WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... NONE. && SHORT TERM...KAS LONG TERM...JMW AVIATION...KAS
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Jackson KY 421 PM EDT Wed Jun 10 2020 KYZ044-050>052-058>060-068-069-079-080-083>088-104-106>120-112330- 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 421 PM EDT Wed Jun 10 2020 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of eastern Kentucky. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Damaging wind gusts and locally heavy rain are possible with thunderstorms through early this evening. A tornado can also not be ruled out. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. Thunderstorms are possible at times Sunday through Tuesday, during the afternoon and early evening hours. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report any instances of severe weather to the Jackson weather office through early this evening. KAS/JMW
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
423 PM EDT Wed Jun 10 2020
KYZ088-102100-
Harlan-
423 PM EDT Wed Jun 10 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT HARLAN COUNTY...
At 423 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Pathfork, or 10
miles southwest of Harlan, moving northeast at 20 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph are possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Harlan, Loyall, Evarts, Wallins Creek, Bobs Creek, Bledsoe, Mary
Alice, Dizney, Chevrolet, Louellen, Coldiron, Elcomb, White Star,
Shields, Black Mountain, Rosspoint, Baxter, Smith, Pine Mountain and
Bailey Creek.
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
LAT...LON 3670 8346 3673 8350 3678 8349 3681 8351
3685 8348 3687 8350 3689 8349 3689 8341
3692 8340 3696 8328 3694 8296 3673 8322
3670 8334 3667 8343 3667 8346
TIME...MOT...LOC 2023Z 205DEG 17KT 3671 8344
KASSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
439 PM EDT Wed Jun 10 2020
KYZ080-086-116-102115-
Clay-Knox-Laurel-
439 PM EDT Wed Jun 10 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT SOUTHEASTERN LAUREL...
NORTHWESTERN KNOX AND SOUTHWESTERN CLAY COUNTIES...
At 439 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Arkle, or near
Barbourville, moving northeast at 35 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Manchester, Grace, Lake, Cane Creek, Fogertown, Goose Rock, Jarvis,
Bush, Cranes Nest, Girdler, Jonsee, Herron, Hooker, Byron, Park
Valley, Cottongin, Gray, Wilton, House and Boho.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
LAT...LON 3681 8398 3686 8407 3689 8407 3726 8391
3726 8390 3725 8389 3713 8362
TIME...MOT...LOC 2039Z 210DEG 29KT 3691 8399
JMWSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
451 PM EDT Wed Jun 10 2020
KYZ088-115-117-118-102115-
Perry-Harlan-Letcher-Leslie-
451 PM EDT Wed Jun 10 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHWESTERN HARLAN...
SOUTHWESTERN LETCHER...SOUTHEASTERN LESLIE AND SOUTHEASTERN PERRY
COUNTIES...
At 450 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Big Laurel, or
8 miles northeast of Harlan, moving northeast at 45 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Hazard, Letcher, Evarts, Vicco, Blackey, Big Fork, Leatherwood,
Bledsoe, Arthur, Viper, Daley, Gilley, Napier, Shields, Arminta,
Yeaddiss, Jeremiah, Carbon Glow, Pine Mountain and Bailey Creek.
LAT...LON 3692 8339 3729 8323 3725 8312 3723 8310
3724 8309 3723 8307 3721 8305 3722 8304
3721 8301 3717 8298 3719 8295 3717 8288
3685 8318
TIME...MOT...LOC 2050Z 208DEG 38KT 3695 8325
JMWSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
508 PM EDT Wed Jun 10 2020
KYZ079-083-102145-
Wayne-Pulaski-
508 PM EDT Wed Jun 10 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHWESTERN WAYNE AND
SOUTHWESTERN PULASKI COUNTIES...
At 508 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Cabell, or 13
miles west of Monticello, moving northeast at 45 mph.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Burnside, Naomi, Cains Store, Stab, Nancy, Parnell, Pointer, Frazer,
Pulaski County Park, Cabell, Mill Springs, Faubush, Magnum, Bronston
and Trimble.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause
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 3692 8496 3696 8494 3696 8492 3695 8490
3700 8484 3705 8491 3711 8490 3719 8478
3699 8461 3680 8502 3683 8506 3686 8506
TIME...MOT...LOC 2108Z 231DEG 38KT 3686 8510
JMWSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
528 PM EDT Wed Jun 10 2020
KYZ079-080-084-085-102200-
Whitley-McCreary-Laurel-Pulaski-
528 PM EDT Wed Jun 10 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT SOUTHWESTERN LAUREL...
SOUTHEASTERN PULASKI...MCCREARY AND NORTHWESTERN WHITLEY COUNTIES...
At 528 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Co-
Operative, or 9 miles west of Whitley City, moving northeast at 25
mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Whitley City, Blue Heron, Honeybee, Slavens, Marshes Siding,
Greenwood, Duckrun, Parkers Lake, Beulah Heights, Cumberland Falls
S.P., Co-
Operative, Stearns, Clio, Huxley, Goldbug, Deering, Walden,
Rockholds, Krupp and Youngs Creek.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause
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 3660 8468 3665 8474 3675 8468 3677 8465
3677 8463 3680 8462 3680 8460 3682 8458
3683 8458 3703 8436 3682 8410 3660 8458
TIME...MOT...LOC 2128Z 223DEG 23KT 3668 8464
JMWSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
536 PM EDT Wed Jun 10 2020
KYZ068-079-080-102200-
Rockcastle-Laurel-Pulaski-
536 PM EDT Wed Jun 10 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHWESTERN LAUREL...PULASKI
AND CENTRAL ROCKCASTLE COUNTIES...
At 536 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located over Science Hill,
or near Somerset, moving east at 45 mph.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail are possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Somerset, Mount Vernon, Science Hill, Cains Store, Gum Sulphur,
Bandy, Woodstock, Spiro, Wabp, Hansford, Dabney, Renfro Valley,
Willailla, Hogue, Hazel Patch, Pine Hill, Magnum, Camp Wildcat, East
Bernstadt and Sand Hill.
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 3712 8490 3736 8456 3733 8451 3743 8447
3747 8438 3717 8408 3698 8480 3701 8486
3705 8491 3709 8491
TIME...MOT...LOC 2136Z 250DEG 40KT 3717 8464
JMWThe Jackson,KY radar (KJKL), 81 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:41 UTC.
21 thunderstorm wind, 2 strong wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Dispatch relayed a report of trees blown down onto power lines on Howell Drennen Road southeast of Grassy Lick.
Dispatch reported a tree downed on Kentucky Highway 1247 near the intersection with Norwood Mt. Zion Road south of Science Hill.
Dispatch reported trees downed south of Sharpsburg, on both Springfield Road and West Tunnel Hill Road.
A trained spotter and dispatch reported trees downed along Kentucky Highway 39 between Woodstock and Bandy. Near Bandy, Kentucky Highway 70 had a tree downed near it while another tree was blown down onto a trailer with a barn being knocked down as well.
A citizen observed multiple trees downed over and along Doc Adams Road southwest of Mt. Vernon.
Dispatch reported trees blown down east of Flemingsburg, from Mockingbird Hill Road to Turner Road northwest of Dalesburg.
Dispatch relayed a report of a tree blown down onto Kentucky Highway 192 near Malvin Hill Church Road west of Grade.
An amateur radio operator northwest of Loam reported a tree downed on a house on Red Spivey Road. Minor roof, window, and siding damage were all sustained.
A citizen observed a tree blown onto a vehicle near Waneta.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reported a tree downed along Kentucky Highway 89 near Foxtown.
A citizen observed a large tree downed in a yard in Annville.
A citizen observed a large tree limb blown onto a power line near Mt. Scratchum Road northeast of Ravenna.
Emergency Management reported several large trees blown down along Hazel Patch Road and Winding Blade Road northeast of Hazel Patch.
The local Department of Highways relayed a report of a tree blown down along Kentucky Highway 1639 southwest of Slade.
Dispatch reported a tree blown down onto Buffalo Zion Road just south of Lower Buffalo.
Dispatch reported a tree blown down on Big Perry Road northwest of Gates.
Dispatch relayed a report of a tree blown down on Seas Branch Road south of Haldeman.
A citizen reported a small tree blown onto a home on Kentucky Highway 205 south of Paxton.
Dispatch reported a tree blown down near the intersection of U.S. Highway 460 and Liberty Road in West Liberty. This resulted in power being knocked out to West Liberty ARH Hospital.
Dispatch relayed a report of a tree downed onto power lines near Flatgap. This led to a wildfire as the power lines hit the ground.
Dispatch reported a tree blown down in Paintsville.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Kentucky in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyWarnings in Kentucky, June 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: 885717, 885726, 885722, 885725, 885731, 885736, 885728, 885740, 885744, 885748, 885753, 885759, 885763, 885764, 885765, 885768, 885769, 885770, 885773, 885775, 885776, 885711, 885713.