After an intense wind storm in early March, strong to damaging winds once again struck eastern Kentucky on April 1st. Another unseasonably intense low pressure system tracked from the Upper Midwest to across the Great Lakes, pulling a cold front across the area during the wee morning hours of April 1st.
Every event with a place to put it; 29 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.
After an intense wind storm in early March, strong to damaging winds once again struck eastern Kentucky on April 1st. Another unseasonably intense low pressure system tracked from the Upper Midwest to across the Great Lakes, pulling a cold front across the area during the wee morning hours of April 1st. Storms along the front put down torrential downpours with pockets of strong gusty winds. This led to a few instances of poor drainage/small stream flooding as well as downed trees before sunrise. However, the more significant weather arrived mid to late morning as skies cleared and southwesterly winds increased sharply ahead of the storm system's secondary cold front. During the midday to mid afternoon hours, southwesterly wind gusts peaked between 30 and 50 mph in many of the valley locations, with gusts of 55 to 60 mph commonly being observed in the more open countryside and atop ridges. The strongest reported gust, 70 mph, was observed at a Kentucky Mesonet station atop Flatwoods (elevation 2,774 feet ASL) in Pike County.
The strong to damaging winds resulted in many trees being blown down onto power lines and snapped power poles. Power outages exceeded more than 50,000 customers across the Commonwealth. A vast majority of those outages were reported in eastern Kentucky and were most concentrated in the eastern Kentucky Coalfield. Kentucky Power, which covers much of southeast Kentucky took 3+ days to restore power in their service area. Repairs included replacing at least 79 power poles, 30 miles of power lines, 70 cross arms, and 44 transformers. The Big Sandy RECC also took at least two days to restore power to 3,171 of its approximately 12,500 customers. Aside from damage to power infrastructure, two individuals reportedly sustained injuries during the high wind event -- a branch struck a hiker near Natural Bridge and another tree fell on a fire truck in Letcher County. There were also numerous reports of downed trees and multiple instances of structural damage. The most notable building damage was reported in Floyd County where the Triple A Market in Martin lost its roof and an apartment building in Prestonsburg partially collapsed.
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 Apr 1, 1:05 AM EST, 1 hour 41 minutes earlier.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION National Weather Service Jackson KY 205 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023 .UPDATE... Issued at 1130 PM EDT FRI MAR 31 2023 We continue to see weaker showers and thunderstorms moving through eastern Kentucky ahead of the main line that is expected to arrive closer toward 2 am per the latest CAMs. Severe weather still looks to be possible depending on the strength of the main line as it comes through and whether it can establish a QLCS as it moves through. Nevertheless, just synoptic flow will be enough for strong wind gusts through the night, but even stronger if a portion of the jet can mix down with convection. For this reason, the elevated severe threat continues for another several hours peaking between 2 and 5 am. Have updated the forecast based on this idea while also adding in the current obs and trends for the T/Td/Sky grids. These adjustments have been sent to the NDFD and web servers along with a forthcoming freshening of the ZFP and SAFs. UPDATE Issued at 835 PM EDT FRI MAR 31 2023 00Z sfc analysis shows a very deep spring storm system well to the northwest of the area but its large reach is conjuring tornadic storms from southern Wisconsin to Arkansas with eastward movement through the evening. Already some of those tornado producing supercells are crossing the Mississippi River and moving into western Tennessee with additional strong storms just west of Kentucky. Locally, the initial round of much weaker convection has moved east through the JKL CWA while another one is starting to press into the Cumberland Valley from the west. The rain and plenty of clouds led to a cool day as temperatures are currently in the mid 50s northeast to the low and mid 60s in the south limiting instability. Meanwhile, dewpoints are generally in the low to mid 50s, amid south southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with higher gusts. The latest CAMs guidance continues to suggest this current batch of mainly showers pushes east through the area until later in thr evening while the strongest convection will be closer to a front arriving just after midnight. Should these, mostly linear, storms hold together in the face of the paltry instability over eastern Kentucky the kinematics will be enough for a continued severe threat - primarily in the form of damaging wind gusts but also a small risk for QLCS tornadoes - diminishing quickly east of the Cumberland Valley. Amid the storm threat through the night, synoptic wind gusts will push 40 to 45 mph at times into Saturday with the wind advisories now in effect. Have updated the forecast mainly to fine tune the timing of that convective line but also including the current obs and trends for the T/Td/Sky grids. These tweaks have been sent to the NDFD and web servers along with a freshening of the zones. && .SHORT TERM...(This evening through Saturday night) Issued at 500 PM EDT FRI MAR 31 2023 Late this afternoon, an upper level low was centered near the NE and SE border with an associated shortwave trough extending south into the Southern Plains region while upper level ridging was centered over the southeast Gulf of Mexico. Eastern KY and the OH Valley is currently in the warm sector, with weaker shortwaves in the southwest flow between the upper ridging in the Gulf and the trough over the Plains leading to convection across portions of the OH Valley. At the sfc, low pressure centered of IA continues to develop with a cold front trailing to the southern Plains and warm front extending east to the southern Great Lakes. Locally, rounds of showers and some thunderstorms continue to cross eastern KY at this time, especially near and south of the Mtn Pkwy. The rounds of showers and some thunderstorms late last night and today have been in the 0.40 inch to about 1.5 inches, with the higher totals from Pulaski and Rockcastle County east to Knott County. This evening and tonight, the upper level low will track east to the western Great Lakes with the associated shortwave trough nearing the MS Valley. The upper low will move east to upstate NY by evening with the shortwave trough axis crossing the area during the day on Saturday. Behind the departing shortwave trough and secondary cold front, mid level height rises are anticipated with high pressure building into the region. Meanwhile the sfc low will deepen as it tracks into the Great Lakes tonight, before tracking to the St Lawrence Valley on Saturday. The trailing cold front will enter the Commonwealth later this evening and cross the remainder of the state overnight. Also, a secondary cold front is expected to develop over the Plains/MS Valley later this evening and tonight closer to the shortwave trough axis. This front is expected to cross most of the Commonwealth on Saturday. Ahead of the initial front in the warm sector, convection will remain possible in eastern KY this evening, but upstream trends and recent convective allowing models point toward somewhat of a lull in the activity for the early evening hours. As the cold front nears from the west late this evening into the overnight, chances for convection in eastern KY will peak as convection, perhaps a line of storms, that develops to the west moves from central KY into eastern KY. Recent convective allowing model guidance has trended a little waker with this convection as it gets into eastern KY, however. With eastward extent, the degree of instability will decrease substantially, but shear will be more than ample and the convective line should mix down higher momentum from aloft leading to some stronger gusts. Some damaging wind gusts are possible, especially over the western portions of the CWA, and given the degree of shear and potential orientation to the line, a tornado cannot be completely ruled out. Outside of storms, some gusts up to 45 mph are anticipated. If repeated rounds of convection were to move across the area that received the heavier rain since midnight, some locally high water would be possible in low lying and poor drainage areas. Behind the initial cold front, chances for showers will diminish from northwest to southeast, late tonight to near dawn. Then in the dry slot of the low pressure system passing to the north as the shortwave trough approaches and with the secondary front, deeper mixing should occur and mix down higher momentum aloft. This should lead to gusts well into wind advisory criteria and gusts of 55 mph or more are possible, mainly across the north and east per some of the high resolution models and 12Z HREF. The peak of the mixing and associated gusts should begin a little after sunrise in the north, closer to 9 AM and then with heating shift east and southeast toward the WV border through early on Saturday afternoon. Even if mixing falls just short of 58 to 60 mph or stronger gusts being measured, the wet ground from the recent rainfall combined with gusts to around 55 mph should lead to some downed tree impacts and power outages. With this in mind, the Wind Advisory remains in effect from 8 AM to 8 PM for the entire region, but in the area more likely to experience the higher wind advisory to high wind warning gusts in the north and east, a High Wind Warning has been issued. The strongest gusts should generally occur in areas of more open terrain and on the higher ridgetops. Behind the front as the shortwave trough nears, late in the afternoon to early Saturday evening, clouds are expected to increase and the degree of mixing decrease while winds aloft will also decrease leading to a decrease in wind gusts late in the afternoon to early on Saturday evening. Some low level moisture and associated low cloud cover will likely linger behind the front into Saturday evening and on Saturday night, with partial clearing or scattering of the clouds in the west. In valley locations where skies clear, temperatures should drop to near the freezing mark and some frost will be possible. .LONG TERM...(Sunday through Friday) Issued at 332 PM EDT FRI MAR 31 2023 High pressure will bring dry and pleasant weather to eastern Kentucky to begin the extended period on Sunday. Temperatures will be cold enough to allow for patchy frost to be in place early Sunday morning, but this should melt quickly once the sun comes up. The rest of the week, however, looks to be quite active, as a couple of storm systems move across the eastern half of the CONUS. The first system will push a couple of frontal boundary's through our neck of the woods Monday through Wednesday. Showers and storms will affect our area Monday through Wednesday, with the best chance for storms from late Tuesday through Wednesday. In fact, it appears that we may have a combination of both good instability and wind shear present while a cold front moves through the region on Wednesday, which would be ideal for thunderstorms to fire up across the area during that time. We will be monitoring this situation very closely over the next several days for the potential for strong thunderstorms next Wednesday. A second area of low pressure moving by to our south is forecast to bring more rain to the area toward the end of the week. Each of these low pressure systems will of course bring the potential for gusty winds to eastern Kentucky. Temperatures should be quite warm through out the extended. The coolest days will see highs in the low to mid 60s, while the warmest days will warm into the upper 70s to lower 80s. The rest of the period should see highs ranging from the upper 60s to lower 70s around the area. Nightly lows will range from the 40s on the coolest nights, to the 50s and low to mid 60s on the warmer nights. && .AVIATION...(For the 06Z TAFS through 06Z Saturday night) ISSUED AT 205 AM EDT SAT APR 1 2023 A broken line of strong thunderstorms is working east tonight, with the expectation of these to work through from west to east toward dawn. Reductions into the MVFR category for visibilities or ceilings will be possible as these work through. Storms that directly pass over a TAF site could see briefly reduced visibilities and ceilings, IFR or lower, along with erratic wind gusts. This will primarily be from the 7z to 10z timeframe. As the convective line moves east and the initial cold front pushes through, VFR conditions will return from west to east into Saturday morning with showers exiting the far southeast by 12z. Additionally, winds of 12-22 kts and gusts between 28 and 38 kts will be possible along and ahead of this advancing front. A secondary cold front is then expected to traverse the area through the day, bringing breezy winds when higher momentum from a strong LLJ transfers to the sfc, especially after 14Z. Gusts in excess of 40 kts out of the southwest to west are forecast by midday as a result. Winds will begin to slacken as the pressure gradient relaxes toward the end of the TAF period. Low clouds will also be possible by periods end, particularly for sites north of SME and LOZ, which could result in MVFR conditions in these locations. && .JKL WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Wind Advisory until 8 AM EDT this morning for KYZ044-050>052-059- 060-104-106>110-112-113-118>120. High Wind Warning from 8 AM this morning to 6 PM EDT this evening for KYZ044-050>052-059-060-104-106>110-112-113-118>120. Wind Advisory until 6 PM EDT this evening for KYZ058-068-069-079- 080-083>088-111-114>117. && UPDATE...GREIF SHORT TERM...JP LONG TERM...AR AVIATION...BB
Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED National Weather Service Jackson KY 300 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023 KYZ044-050>052-059-060-104-106>110-112-113-118>120-020700- Fleming-Montgomery-Bath-Rowan-Powell-Menifee-Elliott-Morgan-Johnson- Wolfe-Magoffin-Floyd-Breathitt-Knott-Letcher-Martin-Pike- Including the cities of Flemingsburg, Camargo, Jeffersonville, Mount Sterling, Owingsville, Morehead, Clay City, Stanton, Frenchburg, Sandy Hook, West Liberty, Paintsville, Campton, Salyersville, Prestonsburg, Wheelwright, Jackson, Hindman, Pippa Passes, Jenkins, Whitesburg, Inez, Coal Run, Elkhorn City, Pikeville, and South Williamson 300 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING... ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for a portion of eastern Kentucky. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. A strong low pressure system and fast-moving cold front will bring chances for thunderstorms. Some of these storms, mainly early this morning, could produce strong to damaging wind gusts as they pass and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. In addition, outside of thunderstorms, gusty winds are anticipated, resulting in gusts of 35 to 45 mph at times. Behind the initial cold front and as a secondary cold front passes through the area today, wind gusts of 40 to 55 mph are expected, especially from late this morning through late afternoon. Gusts to around 60 mph are possible, mainly in areas of more open terrain and on the higher ridgetops. The threat of frost will return tonight into Sunday morning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Warmer and more unsettled weather returns next week, with a renewed threat for thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are asked to report any severe weather or wind damage to NWS Jackson. KYZ068-069-079-080-083>087-114-116-020700- Rockcastle-Jackson-Pulaski-Laurel-Wayne-McCreary-Whitley-Knox-Bell- Owsley-Clay- Including the cities of Brodhead, Mount Vernon, McKee, Annville, Burnside, Somerset, London, Monticello, Stearns, Whitley City, Corbin, Williamsburg, Barbourville, Middlesboro, Pineville, Booneville, and Manchester 300 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING... ...TORNADO WATCH 102 IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EDT THIS MORNING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for a portion of eastern Kentucky. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. A strong low pressure system and fast-moving cold front will bring chances for thunderstorms. Some of these storms, mainly early this morning, could produce strong to damaging wind gusts as they pass and a tornado or two cannot be ruled out. In addition, outside of thunderstorms, gusty winds are anticipated, resulting in gusts of 35 to 45 mph at times. Behind the initial cold front and as a secondary cold front passes through the area today, wind gusts of 40 to 55 mph are expected, especially from late morning through late afternoon. The strongest gusts are expected in areas of more open terrain and on the higher ridgetops. The threat of frost will return tonight into Sunday morning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Warmer and more unsettled weather returns next week, with a renewed threat for thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are asked to report any severe weather or wind damage to NWS Jackson. KYZ058-088-111-115-117-020700- Estill-Harlan-Lee-Perry-Leslie- Including the cities of Irvine, Ravenna, Cumberland, Harlan, Beattyville, Hazard, and Hyden 300 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for a portion of eastern Kentucky. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. A strong low pressure system and fast-moving cold front will bring chances for thunderstorms. Some of these storms, mainly early this morning, could produce strong to damaging wind gusts as they pass and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. In addition, outside of thunderstorms, gusty winds are anticipated, resulting in gusts of 35 to 45 mph at times. Behind the initial cold front and as a secondary cold front passes through the area today, wind gusts of 40 to 55 mph are expected, especially from late morning through late afternoon. The strongest gusts are expected in areas of more open terrain and on the higher ridgetops. The threat of frost will return tonight into Sunday morning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Warmer and more unsettled weather returns next week, with a renewed threat for thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are asked to report any severe weather or wind damage to NWS Jackson. GREIF
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
208 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023
KYZ068-079-083-084-010715-
McCreary KY-Wayne KY-Rockcastle KY-Pulaski KY-
208 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Wayne, Pulaski,
McCreary and southern Rockcastle Counties through 315 AM EDT...
At 208 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles southeast of Columbia, or 23 miles northwest of Monticello,
moving east at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Faubush, Naomi, Mill Springs, Nancy, Betsey, Pulaski County Park,
Frazer, Quinton, Kidder, Somerset, Burnside, Bronston, Elihu,
General Burnside S.P., Somerset Pulaski Airport, Tateville, Ruth,
Sloans Valley, Grade, Alpine and Dykes.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
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 3696 8494 3695 8490 3700 8484 3705 8491
3712 8490 3736 8456 3733 8451 3738 8449
3731 8414 3722 8427 3704 8430 3702 8433
3700 8431 3695 8437 3694 8430 3678 8435
3659 8423 3663 8500 3676 8501 3686 8506
TIME...MOT...LOC 0608Z 268DEG 29KT 3700 8522
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
GREIFSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
210 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023
KYZ050-058>060-068-069-010715-
Jackson KY-Montgomery KY-Menifee KY-Estill KY-Rockcastle KY-
Powell KY-
210 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Powell, southeastern
Montgomery, Estill, Jackson, Rockcastle and southern Menifee Counties
through 315 AM EDT...
At 210 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles north of Lancaster, or 16 miles west of Richmond, moving east
at 40 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Harris Ferry, Fox, Winston, Rice Station, Kings Station,
Blackburn, Palmer, Iron Mound, Cressy, Calloway Crossing,
Sandhill, Weedon, Wiseman Crossing Station, North Irvine, West
Irvine, Wisemantown, Hargett, Witt, Kimbrell, Irvine, Ravenna,
Willow Tree, Cow Creek, Hardwick, South Irvine, Doe Creek, Vaughns
Mill, Wagersville, Pitts, Fitchburg, Cottage Furnace, Pryse,
Texola, Shade, Cobhill, Patsey, Furnace, Rogers Chapel, Knowlton,
See, Pilot, Natural Bridge S.P., Slade, Nada and Lombard.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
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 3748 8444 3754 8435 3757 8409 3781 8410
3781 8412 3782 8410 3784 8400 3797 8399
3793 8345 3783 8353 3783 8362 3762 8387
3754 8391 3734 8378 3726 8390 3725 8402
3734 8412 3727 8422 3728 8445 3733 8450
TIME...MOT...LOC 0610Z 271DEG 37KT 3774 8459
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
GREIFSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
245 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023
KYZ044-051-052-104-010745-
Rowan KY-Elliott KY-Bath KY-Fleming KY-
245 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Bath,
southeastern Fleming, Rowan and Elliott Counties through 345 AM
EDT...
At 244 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Grange City, or 8 miles northeast of Owingsville, moving east at 45
mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Sharkey, Ramey, Farmers and Plummers Landing around 250 AM EDT.
Hilda, Bluestone and Freestone around 255 AM EDT.
Morehead, Munson, Rodburn, Hays Crossing, Clearfield, Cranston,
Brandy and Waltz around 300 AM EDT.
Other locations in the path of this storm include Christy, Gates,
Crix, Triplett, Pelfrey, Vale, Haldeman, Wagner, Hamm, Elliottville,
Farley, Wagner Store, Fannin Valley, Minor, Lytten, Sandy Hook,
Stark, Newfoundland and Bruin.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
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 3838 8345 3840 8341 3832 8334 3821 8330
3819 8327 3819 8324 3824 8322 3827 8317
3823 8309 3818 8305 3821 8301 3817 8298
3818 8292 3811 8289 3806 8295 3809 8326
3811 8327 3809 8331 3812 8381 3843 8357
TIME...MOT...LOC 0644Z 271DEG 37KT 3822 8364
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
GREIFSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
301 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023
KYZ050>052-059-060-104-106-107-109-119-010800-
Rowan KY-Montgomery KY-Elliott KY-Menifee KY-Martin KY-Johnson KY-
Magoffin KY-Morgan KY-Bath KY-Powell KY-
301 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern Powell,
southeastern Montgomery, northwestern Martin, Morgan, southeastern
Bath, northern Johnson, Menifee, north central Magoffin, southern
Rowan and southern Elliott Counties through 400 AM EDT...
At 301 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Ratlitt, or near Frenchburg, moving east at 55 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Wellington, Big Woods, Dan, Korea, Yale, Artville, Zilpo and
Cogswell around 305 AM EDT.
Kellacey, Ebon, Paragon, Bangor, Omer, Lick Fork and Ezel around
310 AM EDT.
Henry, Yocum, Zag, Blaze, Dehart, Leisure, Twentysix, Licking
River, Woodsbend and Craney around 315 AM EDT.
West Liberty, Lick Branch, Wrigley, Pomp, Index, Gordon Ford and
Lytten around 320 AM EDT.
Other locations in the path of this storm include Steele, Elkfork,
Lenox, Elamton, Little Sandy, Florress, Cottle, Crockett, Moon,
Jeptha, Mima, Dingus, Isonville, Silverhill, Keaton, Gillem Branch,
Relief, Elna, Ophir, Culver, Barnrock, Flatgap and Redbush.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
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 3786 8392 3814 8361 3812 8289 3805 8295
3803 8300 3800 8302 3796 8300 3800 8296
3800 8293 3788 8262 3789 8260 3795 8258
3796 8253 3794 8249 3794 8250 3790 8247
3791 8247 3789 8243 3783 8243
TIME...MOT...LOC 0701Z 271DEG 49KT 3800 8357
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
GREIFSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
316 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023
KYZ079-080-083>088-116-117-010815-
McCreary KY-Whitley KY-Clay KY-Knox KY-Wayne KY-Bell KY-Harlan KY-
Laurel KY-Leslie KY-Pulaski KY-
316 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Wayne,
western Harlan, Laurel, Bell, Knox, southwestern Leslie, southeastern
Pulaski, McCreary, Whitley and southern Clay Counties through 415 AM
EDT...
At 316 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Grade, or 8 miles east of Somerset, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Mount Victory around 325 AM EDT.
Huxley around 330 AM EDT.
Rockcastle Springs around 335 AM EDT.
Other locations in the path of this storm include Baldrock, Bunch,
Holly Bay Rec. Area, Hightop, Vox, Bernstadt, London, Keavy, Dorthae,
North Corbin and Pittsburg.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
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.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 AM EDT for south central
and southeastern Kentucky.
&&
LAT...LON 3662 8498 3716 8450 3717 8328 3670 8333
3667 8341 3667 8353 3658 8369
TIME...MOT...LOC 0716Z 271DEG 23KT 3707 8446
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
GREIFSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service JACKSON KY
318 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023
KYZ058>060-068-069-079-080-106-108-111-112-114-116-010815-
Clay KY-Estill KY-Morgan KY-Rockcastle KY-Powell KY-Wolfe KY-
Laurel KY-Pulaski KY-Jackson KY-Menifee KY-Lee KY-Breathitt KY-
Owsley KY-
318 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Owsley, Jackson,
southern Menifee, Lee, Wolfe, Powell, northern Laurel, southwestern
Morgan, Estill, northeastern Pulaski, central Rockcastle, Breathitt
and northern Clay Counties through 415 AM EDT...
At 317 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Eglon, or 8 miles west of McKee, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Alcorn around 325 AM EDT.
Waneta, Brazil, Hurley and Shop Branch around 330 AM EDT.
Foxtown and Blanton Flats around 335 AM EDT.
Other locations in the path of this storm include McKee, Macedonia,
Lakes, Bradshaw, Gray Hawk, Atkinstown, Turkey Foot, New Zion, Wind
Cave, Old Orchard, Privett, Mildred, Arvel, Mummie, Herd, Wild Dog,
Earnestville, Banford, Green Hall, Elian, Nathanton, Maulden,
Vincent, Travellers Rest, Delvinta, Sturgeon, Cressmont, Caryton,
Heidelberg and Yellow Rock.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
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.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 AM EDT for south central
and southeastern Kentucky.
&&
LAT...LON 3757 8415 3757 8409 3760 8411 3789 8385
3785 8314 3777 8327 3775 8324 3768 8326
3761 8314 3738 8330 3738 8333 3734 8338
3738 8348 3734 8350 3733 8355 3729 8355
3725 8351 3720 8351 3715 8356 3716 8451
TIME...MOT...LOC 0717Z 271DEG 23KT 3747 8413
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
GREIFThe Jackson,KY radar (KJKL), 140 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 07:47 UTC.
29 high wind, 7 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A tree was reported down along KY-761, with a couple additional trees blown down in the vicinity.
A powerline was blown down near the intersection of Winding Ridge Road and Oak Hill Road.
A tree was blown down onto Slate Branch Road south of Somerset.
A tree was reported to have been blown down near the Duncan Branch community along Edwards Mountain Road.
Large limbs were reported to have been blown down and onto a residence on Polls Creek Road in the Smilax vicinity.
A tree was reported to have been blown down onto the railroad tracks in Vicco.
A tree was reported blown down in the Abner Mountain area along KY-122.
High winds resulted in reports of trees down across the county. At 11:25 AM EDT, public reported multiple trees blown down near Sitka Church along Route 201. Then at 12:12 PM EDT, multiple trees and powerlines were reported to have been downed near Pickle Fork at Route 40W. A picture from the Big Sandy RECC also showed a large pine tree having fallen onto powerlines near Elna.
High winds brought multiple reports of trees down across the county. At 11:30 AM EDT dispatch reported reported a tree that was blown down near the intersection of KY-15 and Entertainment Drive. At 12:30 PM EDT, dispatch reported a tree blown down onto powerlines about 3 miles up Upper Second Creek, as well as a tree blown down onto powerlines in the Saul community. The powerlines downed in the Saul community ultimately led to a forest fire.
High winds led to multiple reports of trees down across Bath County. At 11:30 AM EDT, dispatch reported a tree that was blown down in the vicinity of Preston. Then at 1:00 PM, a tree was reportedly blown down at Marshes Siding. Later at 4:40 PM, trees were reported blown down in the vicinity of Owinsgville, followed by a 4:45 PM report of a tree blown down in the Salt Lick Community.
Strong winds impacted Clay County throughout the afternoon on April 1st. At 11:30 AM EDT, the emergency manager reported that winds blew a tree down onto Ellis Branch Road, near the Chestnutburg community.
Several reports of trees downed were made across Rowan County. At 11:45 AM EDT, a tree was reported to have been blown down along Old US-60 in the community of Farmers. At 11:50 AM, a tree was reported blown down onto KY-519 near Pelfry. Then between 1:00 and 1:30 PM, multiple trees and powerlines were reported to have been blown down in Morehead.
Several reports of wind damage were made across Menifee County. At 11:45 AM EDT, dispatch reported a tree blown down in the Tabor community. At 11:55 AM, a tree was blown down just north of the Dennison Community. Then at 4:30 PM, a tree was reported down just WNW of the Pomeroyton community.
Knox county received multiple reports of trees down in Barbourville and throughout the county, beginning around noon.
Dispatch reported multiple trees and powerlines down in Williamsburg and throughout Whitley County, beginning around noon.
Per Powell County Search and Rescue, a hiker was struck by a falling branch around noon on the Whittleton Branch Campground Hiking Trail, and fell unconcious while pinned beneath the branch. First responders were able to successfully get the hiker out for further treatment. Then at 1:50 PM EDT, public reported a large pine tree blown down onto and blocking Happy Top Road near Clay City.
Several reports of tree damage were made from the high winds that came through Rockcastle County. At 12:10 PM EDT, a tree was reported to have been blown down just south of Mount Vernon. Then at 12:40 PM, a tree was blown down at the KOA campground near Renfro Valley. At 2:00 PM, a tree was reported blown down near the Indian Lakes Park. In addition to the tree damage reports, a personal weather station measured a 58 mph gust at 2:09 PM in the Denny Subdivision near the community of Wabo.
Pulaski County received a couple reports of wind damage across the county. At 12:20 PM EDT, dispatch stated that trees and powerlines were down near the intersection of W. Oak Hill Road and KY-914. Then at 3:35 PM, trees were reported to have blown onto the roadway WNW of the community of Billows. Additional trees and powerlines were reported down in the vicinity during the afternoon as well.
Morgan County received multiple reports of wind damage across the county. At 12:30 PM EDT, dispatch reported a tree blown down onto KY-772 near the community of Twentysix. Then at 12:45 PM, another tree was blown down along KY-1161 just west of Lick Branch. Later at 4:40 PM, a tree was blown down onto Steele Branch Road.
Most of Floyd County's damage reports were confined to structural damage. At 12:45 PM EDT, roofing material was reported to have blown off a business in the city of Martin. Then at 3:00 PM, pictures on social media showed a building, including apartments on the top floor, missing the roof and back wall. No one was injured. Several other pictures came in throughout the day showing a traffic jam on KY-80 due to downed power lines, a large pine tree on the powerlines at Jenny Wiley, and another large pine tree on a powerline near Copperas Lick.
Only one report was made of wind damage in Montgomery County. At 12:50 PM EDT, two trees were reported to have been blown down at a residence just WNW of Jeffersonville.
At 12:52 PM EDT, dispatch reported multiple trees down along Tomahawk Road NW of Inez. Then at 4:12 PM, another report came in of multiple trees down along North Wolf Creek.
McCreary County had multiple reports of wind damage, all within a fairly short amount of time. At 12:55 PM EDT, a tree was reported to have been blown down on KY-1363 near Yamacraw. At 1:00 PM, another tree was reported to have been blown down at Marshes Siding. Then 5 minutes later, at 1:10 PM, a tree was blown down onto KY-1470 near Strunk. At the same time (1:10 PM) another tree was reported to have blown down in the Hay Creek Community.
At 1:10 PM EDT, a utility line was reported to have been blown down just WNW of Stuebenville.
At 1:15 PM EDT, a tree was reported to have been blown down onto an occupied vehicle. No injuries were reported. Then at 4:38 PM, a public report was made of a roof that was blown onto the road on KY-292 near Whitepost. The Big Sandy RECC also shared a picture of powerlines down near the Greasy community.
At 1:20 PM EDT, a public report was made of roofing material having been blown off a carport at a residence. Then at 4:00 PM, the county dispatch reported multiple utility lines blown down along Hwy-38 near Evarts.
Dispatch reported a couple instances of wind damage in the county. At 1:30 PM EDT, a powerline was blown down, and caused some grass to catch fire along Sandy Ridge Road just south of the High Falls Community. Then at 1:45 PM, a tree was reported to have been blown down in the Bethany Community.
At 1:30 PM EDT, a tree was reported to have been blown down on Foxport Road in Pleasureville. Then at 3:00 PM EDT, another tree was reported down on Ewing Road around 12 highway miles from Flemingsburg.
Two reports of wind damage were made in Elliott County. The first was at 1:40 PM EDT, when a tree was reported to have been blown down along KY-1621. A powerline was also blown down in the vicinity, which led to a fire. Then shortly after at 1:45 PM, two reports were made. The first was of a tree that had been blown down near the intersection of Wallow Hole Road and KY-486, near the community of Culver. The second was a tree that had been blown down along KY-504 just ENE of Stark.
A dispatcher noted that trees and powerlines were blown down near Ferndale, off of 25-E, around 3:00 PM EDT.
At 3:25 PM EDT, KY-1645 was closed due to downed powerlines, caused by the wind.
At 4:05 PM EDT, dispatch reported a tree having been blown down onto a powerline, leading to a fire.
A large pine tree was blown down onto KY-1090 (near address 4347 Bear Branch/Stinson Road) around 4:30 PM EDT. The tree took out the powerlines and part of the power pole as well.
At 2:55 PM EDT, a public weather station in the Jenkins community measured a wind gust of 58 mph. Only a few minutes later, around 3:00 PM, the Colson Volunteer Fire Department reported that a volunteer firefighter operating the CFD Engine #1 was injured when a tree fell off the side of the hill and struck the vehicle. The firefighter sustained a concussion and abraison to the head and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
A couple reports of trees down were made in Leslie County. At 11:40 AM EDT, dispatch reported a tree blown down along US-421 about 10 miles south of Hyden. Then at 11:45 AM EDT, a tree was reported down along KY-80 East.
At 11:45 AM, dispatch noted that they had two separate occurances of powerlines blown down leading to fires in the Annville community. At 11:55 AM, two additional reports were made. The first was of a powerline blown down, leading to a fire in the Gray Hawk Community. The second was a powerline blown down leading to a fire in the Tyner Community.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Kentucky in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyWarnings in Kentucky, April 2023
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: 1095246, 1095252, 1095255, 1095262, 1095264, 1095265, 1095268, 1095271, 1095274, 1095275, 1095277, 1095284, 1095285, 1095286, 1095287, 1095289, 1095292, 1095299, 1095301, 1095306, 1095307, 1095308, 1095309, 1095310, 1095311, 1095312, 1095313, 1095314, 1095315, 1095316, 1095317, 1095318, 1095319, 1095320, 1095280, 1095282.