Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Kentucky, May 8 to 15, 2024

Name: Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Kentucky, May 8 to 15, 2024
Start: 2024-05-08T05:25
End: 2024-05-15T00:00
Location: Kentucky

May 8 to 15, 2024 · NWS PAH · 54 events in 18 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $834,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 54

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.

What happened

The episode as NWS PAH wrote it up.

A major outbreak of severe weather occurred on the 8th for the Quad State region. On the synoptic scale, a longwave trough was centered across the Rockies with deep-layer southwesterly flow from the Southern Plains to the Ohio Valley. A 110 kt upper jet extended from northern KS to IA while a 60 kt mid-level jet was positioned across northern MZ into IA. Surface low pressure near the MZ/KS border lifted to St. Louis around 12am CST on the 9th. A warm frontal boundary stretched across the Quad State, with a cold front extending southward from the surface low.

The environment became unstable by early afternoon, especially in far Western Kentucky, with MLCAPE of 2000-3000 J/kg. Deep-layer shear was on the order of 55-65 kts, though low-level shear was 15 kts, increasing to 20 kts later in the day. SRH was around 100-2000 m2/s2 with higher values north towards Clarksville, TN. STP values were 2-3 due to deep-layer shear and instability. Supercell activity was more prominent during the afternoon in Western Kentucky with lapse rates of 6.5-7 C/km aiding with hail production.

For Southwest Kentucky, a sub-severe line of storms moved through with a cold front during the overnight hours from the 7th-8th. The front reversed and lifted northward during the morning, producing thunderstorm wind damage in the Purchase area, particularly in and around Calvert City. Supercell development occurred during the afternoon hours with widespread hail and thunderstorm wind damage. An EF-U tornado was identified in eastern McCracken County. Several counties were hit multiple times over the course of the afternoon into the evening as lines of storms entered Northwest Kentucky from Southern Illinois. Daviess County experienced widespread significant wind damage in and west of Owensboro between 2030-2100CST, including 3 tornadoes (2 EF-0 and 1 EF-1). A powerful outflow boundary from the Daviess County storms pushed through Livermore producing a mile wide swath of significant wind damage. A final line of thunderstorms pushed through Western Kentucky late evening past midnight, with limited severe weather.

Torrential rainfall produced flooding impacts across Western Kentucky. A northern high rain total swath extended from Union County to southern Daviess/McLean Counties with 3-5 inches of rain. Being the location where the cold front stalled out and reversed, early morning rainfall totals were already elevated from Marshall/Calloway County to Todd County and further south in Tennessee. Heavy rains from afternoon supercells increased flooding issues, including washing out part of a road in Trigg County, while continued heavy rainfall late evening into the overnight hours left numerous roads flooded in Trigg County and in Hopkinsville. Rainfall totals were 5-8 inches in portions of Marshall and Trigg Counties and southernmost portions of Christian and Todd Counties. Both the Bypass and 68/80 gages on the South Fork of the Little River in Hopkinsville reached minor flood, and significant rainfall totals on the Green River resulted in Paradise reaching moderate flood stage a couple days later.

What forecasters said that day

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 May 8, 1:41 AM CST, 3 hours 44 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

Ongoing active storms with severe potential will persist until about or just shy of daybreak, with all severe hazards in play.
A warm front's return by mid to late morning carries the next risk of severe storms, also an all hazards in play threat as storm chances heighten again.
Once warm sectored, an approaching cold front late this afternoon will fire a widespread and significant risk of a severe weather outbreak this afternoon and evening. Large hail, violent tornadoes, and damaging winds are all expected with this outbreak. In particular, Southeast Missouri, Southwest Illinois, and Western Kentucky have been upgraded to a Moderate Risk for severe storms.
A Flood Watch is in effect for portions of the area as the steering flow suggests training of locally heavy rainfall could produce upwards to 3" or more in some locations.
After this powerful storm system's passage is fully completed, then cooler and drier air moves in for the end of the week and weekend with highs in the 70s and refreshingly lower humidity.

Area forecast discussion, May 8, 1:41 AM CST, 3 hours 44 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Paducah KY
241 AM CDT Wed May 8 2024

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Ongoing active storms with severe potential will persist until
  about or just shy of daybreak, with all severe hazards in
  play.

- A warm front's return by mid to late morning carries the next
  risk of severe storms, also an all hazards in play threat as
  storm chances heighten again.

- Once warm sectored, an approaching cold front late this
  afternoon will fire a widespread and significant risk of a
  severe weather outbreak this afternoon and evening. Large
  hail, violent tornadoes, and damaging winds are all expected
  with this outbreak. In particular, Southeast Missouri,
  Southwest Illinois, and Western Kentucky have been upgraded
  to a Moderate Risk for severe storms.

- A Flood Watch is in effect for portions of the area as the
  steering flow suggests training of locally heavy rainfall
  could produce upwards to 3" or more in some locations.

- After this powerful storm system's passage is fully completed,
  then cooler and drier air moves in for the end of the week and
  weekend with highs in the 70s and refreshingly lower
  humidity.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 230 AM CDT Wed May 8 2024

Ongoing active strong-severe storms required a Watch extension
for western Ky til daybreak. Overall, trends are weakening,
however, given its over-achieving persistence, SPC determined a
headline extension was warranted as RAP models peak MLCAPEs of
2-3K Joules across its approaching corridor, with bulk shear
upwards of 50 kts...meaning there is still atmospheric support
for the line to punch with supercell potential as helicities run
to about 200 m2/s2 in the lower 3KM. That said, if current
trendings hold, the headline could be cancelled in about half
its time.

After, all eyes turn to the much advertised daytime threat for
a widespread and significant severe outbreak as the 90 kt upper jet
core is incoming with the mean long wave's dynamical energy input.
Bulk shear exceeds 50 kts, and mean lapse rates increase to 8C,
promoting large scale ascent of the warm/juicy unstable air
mass with highs in the low-mid 80s and dew points into the lower
70s. Helicity values are progged to be up into the 200-300
m2/s2 range both along the warm front and more or less hold as
the cold front approaches. Speaking of, the CAMs all suggest a
return/lift of the warm front outputs mid-late morning
convection overspread, and then within the warm sector as the
cold front approaches late this afternoon...the big show is
still an all go for the afternoon/evening time frame. In
particular, SEMO/SWIL/WKY has been upgraded to a MDT risk for
all hazards severe, including large-giant hail and significant
tornadoes. Lastly, the hyper-souping PW's and steering winds
that will promote training cells overtop already wetted grounds
has prompted us to issue a Flood Watch for western Ky, where WPC
has bumped us into a MDT risk of excessive/FFG rainfall.
Collaborative efforts are still ongoing as to if/how far west we
may need to extend that, but generally, upwards to 3" areal
average totals potential in western Ky trails to 2" along the MS
river and lessens west of there.

The cold front's passage is made tonight, and the severe threat
ends as it does so. Severe storms may be self sustaining into
the night until then, and convective pops linger within the
broader trof even into Thursday morning, in our far east.
Afterward, the air mass modification to a cooler/drier more
spring-like feel, with Thursday's transition onset completing by
Friday, when upper 60s-lower 70s highs and dew points in the 40s
are established. Generally speaking, highs in the 70s and dew
points in the 40s hold thru the weekend before returning closer
to seasonal norms early next week.

&&

.AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z THURSDAY/...
Issued at 230 AM CDT Wed May 8 2024

A line of storms offers restricted CIGS/VSBYS as it rolls across
the terminals during the pre dawn hours. KMVN has some patchy
dense fog on the cold side of the boundary. After a daybreak
lull, a warm front returns and heightens storm chances again,
which will offer additional deterioration to restricted
categories. Increasing lapse rates suggest these hold into/thru
the afternoon, when storm chances again heighten as the most
violent of the storm evolutions comes to fruition with the cold
front's approach. Increasingly gusty non thunderstorm winds
will peak upwards to 25-30 kts this afternoon.

&&

.PAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IL...None.
MO...None.
IN...None.
KY...Flood Watch through Thursday morning for KYZ001>022.

&&

Hazardous weather outlook, May 8, 4:58 AM CST, 27 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Paducah KY
558 AM CDT Wed May 8 2024

ILZ075>078-080>094-INZ081-082-085>088-KYZ001>022-MOZ076-086-087-
100-107>112-114-091000-
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-
558 AM CDT Wed May 8 2024 /658 AM EDT Wed May 8 2024/

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern
Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast
Missouri.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

As a warm front lifts into the region this morning, expect the
chance for thunderstorms to increase again. This chance will
include an all severe hazards threat. Then, the most significant
severe weather threat occurs with the advance and approach of a
cold front this afternoon and evening. Damaging winds, large hail,
and significant tornadoes are all potential hazards. In addition,
localized flooding is possible where repeat heavy rainfall may
occur. Lightning too will be a commonplace hazard.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is expected today.

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 8, 2:44 AM CST, 2 hours 41 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Paducah KY
344 AM CDT Wed May 8 2024

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0112 AM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     1 E Joppa               37.21N 88.83W
05/08/2024                   Massac             IL   Emergency Mngr

            Healthy tree approximately 15 inches in
            diameter across Joppa Road. Took power lines
            down as well.

&&

Special weather statement, May 8, 3:10 AM CST, 2 hours 15 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
410 AM CDT Wed May 8 2024

KYZ006-008-009-011-012-080945-
Marshall KY-Calloway KY-Graves KY-Lyon KY-Trigg KY-
410 AM CDT Wed May 8 2024

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN CALLOWAY...SOUTHERN
MARSHALL...CENTRAL TRIGG...EAST CENTRAL GRAVES AND SOUTHEASTERN LYON
COUNTIES THROUGH 445 AM CDT...

At 409 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from Energy Lake Campground to 9 miles northwest of
Murray. Movement was east at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Mayfield, Benton, Cadiz, Golden Pond Visitors Center, Energy Lake
Campground, Woodlands Nature Station, Turkey Bay, Land Between The
Lakes Area, Cravens Bay Campground, Canton, Rockcastle, Hardin,
Kirksey, Brewers, and Aurora.

This includes Interstate 24 in Kentucky between Mile Markers 50 and
53.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 AM CDT for western
Kentucky.

&&

LAT...LON 3683 8770 3661 8850 3672 8864 3701 8795
TIME...MOT...LOC 0909Z 256DEG 52KT 3685 8802 3672 8844

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

07

Special weather statement, May 8, 3:39 AM CST, 1 hour 46 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
439 AM CDT Wed May 8 2024

KYZ012-017-081015-
Christian KY-Trigg KY-
439 AM CDT Wed May 8 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN AND SOUTHERN
TRIGG COUNTIES THROUGH 515 AM CDT...

At 438 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles west of Fort Campbell, moving east at 50 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 hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Hopkinsville, Oak Grove, Fort Campbell, Wranglers Campground, Land
Between The Lakes Area, Clarksville, Pembroke, Lafayette, Linton, and
Herndon.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 24 in Kentucky between Mile Markers 71 and 92.
 Pennyrile Parkway between Mile Markers 1 and 11.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 AM CDT for western and
south central Kentucky.

&&

LAT...LON 3667 8786 3668 8807 3672 8809 3695 8728
      3664 8734 3663 8785
TIME...MOT...LOC 0938Z 250DEG 43KT 3670 8761

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

07

Special weather statement, May 8, 4:16 AM CST, 1 hour 9 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
516 AM CDT Wed May 8 2024

KYZ017-022-081030-
Todd KY-Christian KY-
516 AM CDT Wed May 8 2024

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN AND TODD
COUNTIES THROUGH 530 AM CDT...

At 515 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from Elkton to 13 miles southwest of Russellville to
near Guthrie. Movement was east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Oak Grove, Elkton, Fort Campbell, Clarksville, Guthrie, Pembroke,
Trenton, Lafayette, Allensville, and Herndon.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 24 in Kentucky between Mile Markers 76 and 92.
 Pennyrile Parkway between Mile Markers 1 and 5.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 AM CDT for south central
Kentucky.

&&

LAT...LON 3664 8706 3664 8769 3677 8767 3691 8706
TIME...MOT...LOC 1015Z 265DEG 45KT 3682 8717 3674 8709 3664 8709

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

07

Special weather statement, May 8, 4:50 AM CST, 35 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
550 AM CDT Wed May 8 2024

KYZ006-081115-
Graves KY-
550 AM CDT Wed May 8 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHERN GRAVES COUNTY THROUGH
615 AM CDT...

At 550 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Sedalia, or near Mayfield, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Mayfield, Sedalia, Wingo, and Water Valley.

This includes Interstate 69 in Kentucky between Mile Markers 9 and
33.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 AM CDT for western
Kentucky.

&&

LAT...LON 3672 8882 3681 8849 3660 8849 3655 8882
TIME...MOT...LOC 1050Z 248DEG 35KT 3668 8863

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

07

Special weather statement, May 8, 5:13 AM CST, 12 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
613 AM CDT Wed May 8 2024

KYZ008-009-081130-
Marshall KY-Calloway KY-
613 AM CDT Wed May 8 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHERN CALLOWAY AND SOUTHERN
MARSHALL COUNTIES THROUGH 630 AM CDT...

At 613 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Benton, moving northeast at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Murray, Benton, Hardin, Aurora, Kirksey, and Brewers.

This includes Interstate 69 in Kentucky between Mile Markers 34 and
42.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3683 8849 3691 8818 3683 8814 3675 8811
      3670 8808 3667 8807 3663 8849
TIME...MOT...LOC 1113Z 245DEG 31KT 3678 8839

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

07

The radar

The Paducah radar (KPAH), 56 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 11:26 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

21 thunderstorm wind, 15 hail, 8 flood, 5 flash flood, 4 tornado, 1 funnel cloud. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Calloway

When: May 8, 5:25 AM CST
Where: Calloway County, 2.01 mi E of Kirksey
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 36.701, -88.344

Quarter to golf ball size hail east of Kirksey with an early morning thunderstorm.

Hail, Calloway

When: May 8, 5:48 AM CST
Where: Calloway County, 3.5 mi N of Faxon
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.730, -88.140

An mPING report of quarter size hail was made early morning with the passage of a thunderstorm cell.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fulton

When: May 8, 6:02 AM CST
Where: Fulton County, 0.71 mi SE of Dodd
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 36.564, -89.140

Large tree limbs were downed by a thunderstorm moving northeastward through Fulton County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hickman

When: May 8, 6:19 AM CST to 6:25 AM CST
Where: Hickman County, 1.03 mi W of Clinton to 0.64 mi NE of New Cypress
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.673, -88.998

Four trees were downed on the north and west city limits of Clinton as an early morning thunderstorm moved northeastward through the area. Power outages occurred on the northeastern side of the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carlisle

When: May 8, 6:38 AM CST
Where: Carlisle County, 0.94 mi SSE of Cunningham
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.907, -88.876

As a result of thunderstorm downdraft winds, trees were downed near Cunningham with power outages reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Graves

When: May 8, 6:50 AM CST
Where: Graves County, Symsonia
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 36.920, -88.520

Thunderstorm downdraft winds blew down trees near Symsonia.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marshall

When: May 8, 7:06 AM CST to 7:13 AM CST
Where: Marshall County, 0.88 mi S of Little Cypress to 2.02 mi SSW of Altona
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.007, -88.428

A trained spotter reported large trees downed over the road by thunderstorm winds, with an above ground pool side blown in. Emergency management provided photos of several rotted trees downed and carport damage between Possum Trot and Calvert City.

Flood, Marshall

When: May 8, 7:10 AM CST to 8:40 AM CST
Where: Marshall County, 2.85 mi ENE of Oak Level to 3.06 mi W of Benton
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.880, -88.420

Standing water over KY 348 near New Harmony Rd. Portions of Marshall County received 1.5-3 inches of rain by mid-morning with 1.5-2 inches in the area with the flood report.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marshall

When: May 8, 7:11 AM CST to 7:17 AM CST
Where: Marshall County, 1 mi S of Calvert City to 1.41 mi N of Calvert City
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.016, -88.353

A broad area of thunderstorm wind damage affected Calvert City. EM officials reported that trees were downed on Cedar Street. Spotters reported that four trees were snapped or uprooted on the north side of Calvert City.

Flash Flood, Todd

When: May 8, 7:30 AM CST to 9:30 AM CST
Where: Todd County, 1.19 mi ENE of Guthrie to 1.49 mi WNW of Guthrie
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.654, -87.149

Water over the road was reported in Guthrie. Rainfall amounts of 2-4 inches had occurred between 0430CST-0830CST on the TN border. Flooding issues transitioned from flash flood to flood mid-morning.

Flood, Todd

When: May 8, 9:30 AM CST to May 9, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Todd County, 1.19 mi ENE of Guthrie to 1.48 mi WNW of Guthrie
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.654, -87.149

Lingering flooding occurred through the day on the 8th, with additional rainfall during the evening continuing flooding issues into the overnight hours. Total rainfall accumulations in Guthrie reached a radar estimated 5-7 inches.

Thunderstorm Wind, Todd

When: May 8, 11:50 AM CST
Where: Todd County, 1.47 mi S of Clifty
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.959, -87.153

Downburst winds from a supercell storm damaged a roof and destroyed an outhouse.

Hail, Hopkins

When: May 8, 12:47 PM CST
Where: Hopkins County, 0.55 mi E of Dawson Spgs
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.170, -87.690

Penny size hail was reported via mPING in Dawson Springs on the northwest edge of a thunderstorm hail core.

Thunderstorm Wind, Union

When: May 8, 1:06 PM CST
Where: Union County, 0.47 mi ESE of Sullivan
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.496, -87.943

Thunderstorm downdraft winds caused a tree to fall onto a vacant home in Sullivan.

Hail, Hopkins

When: May 8, 1:09 PM CST
Where: Hopkins County, 1 mi ESE of Nortonville
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.196, -87.453

A social media post showed hail up to golfball size in Nortonville as a storm tracked to the ENE.

Hail, Muhlenberg

When: May 8, 1:24 PM CST
Where: Muhlenberg County, 1.65 mi W of New Cypress
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.252, -87.280

A picture of hail up to one inch was posted from Graham.

Thunderstorm Wind, Muhlenberg

When: May 8, 1:40 PM CST to 1:43 PM CST
Where: Muhlenberg County, 0.76 mi ESE of Beech Creek to 0.32 mi S of Beechmont
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $55,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.176, -87.057

With a thunderstorm moving eastward across Muhlenberg County, a public report was made of trees down near Beech Creek. Emergency management reported trees down in Beechmont and one house with significant damage. Power outages also occurred with this storm.

Hail, Muhlenberg

When: May 8, 1:41 PM CST to 1:44 PM CST
Where: Muhlenberg County, 0.76 mi SW of Beechmont to 0.27 mi SW of Browder
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.173, -87.041

A thunderstorm core moving east-northeastward across Muhlenberg County produced hail measured to quarter size in Beechmont and golf ball size hail in Browder, submitted via mPING. Emergency management reported hail damage to vehicles occurred in Beechmont.

Hail, Union

When: May 8, 2:10 PM CST
Where: Union County, 0.55 mi W of Uniontown
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.770, -87.940

Hail estimated to 1 inch was reported via, mPING, from the west side of Uniontown as a thunderstorm moved northeastward through Union County.

Hail, McLean

When: May 8, 2:17 PM CST
Where: McLean County, 0.72 mi E of Poplar Grove
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.471, -87.307

Hail estimated to penny size was reported via mPING from the northwestern edge of a hail core moving northeastward in McLean County.

Hail, Henderson

When: May 8, 2:19 PM CST
Where: Henderson County, 0.69 mi N of Henderson
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.840, -87.580

Hail measured to nickel size fell from a thunderstorm moving northeastward through Henderson.

Thunderstorm Wind, Union

When: May 8, 2:26 PM CST
Where: Union County, 2.65 mi N of Cullen
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.618, -87.888

Trees were reported downed from thunderstorm winds south of Morganfield.

Thunderstorm Wind, Union

When: May 8, 2:32 PM CST to 2:36 PM CST
Where: Union County, 2.82 mi ESE of Morganfield Arpt to 0.81 mi SSE of Waverly
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.670, -87.780

Thunderstorms moved northeastward across NE Union County. Emergency management reported a telephone pole blown down on KY 141 at TL Bishop Rd. The highway department reported tree limbs down across KY 2094 in Waverly.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLean

When: May 8, 2:34 PM CST
Where: McLean County, 0.74 mi NNW of Livermore
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.490, -87.135

A thunderstorm moving northeastward through Livermore caused large trees to be uprooted with a tree falling onto a house.

Flash Flood, Henderson

When: May 8, 2:50 PM CST to 6:30 PM CST
Where: Henderson County, 3.93 mi SW of Dixie to 3.82 mi WSW of Dixie
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.641, -87.733

KYTC reported a closure of KY-1557 between mile markers 1 and 3 due to flooding.

Hail, Henderson

When: May 8, 2:55 PM CST
Where: Henderson County, 3.82 mi NNW of Robards
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.720, -87.580

Hail estimated at quarter size was reported, via mPING, from a thunderstorm moving northeastward across southern Henderson County.

Hail, Webster

When: May 8, 2:55 PM CST
Where: Webster County, 1.97 mi ESE of Wanamaker
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.590, -87.636

Hail estimated to penny size was reported, via mPING, as a result of a thunderstorm line moving eastward.

Thunderstorm Wind, Trigg

When: May 8, 2:58 PM CST
Where: Trigg County, 2.54 mi NE of Rockcastle
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.924, -87.935

The northern edge of a thunderstorm downed a tree onto a road in northern Trigg County.

Tornado, McCracken

When: May 8, 3:01 PM CST to 3:02 PM CST
Where: McCracken County, 2.5 mi SSW of Tyler to 2.32 mi SSW of Tyler
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.2 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.018, -88.600

Several videos and eye witness reports indicate a brief tornado touchdown. The path length and width are estimated from those videos. The tornado caused no damage from which an EF rating could be assigned.

Funnel Cloud, Trigg

When: May 8, 3:02 PM CST
Where: Trigg County, 2.62 mi WSW of Trigg Furnace
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.860, -87.960

A video was shared of a funnel cloud via social media. No damage could be observed during a damage survey.

Hail, Christian

When: May 8, 3:06 PM CST
Where: Christian County, 2.36 mi ENE of Herndon
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.737, -87.528

A thunderstorm moving northeastward into Christian County produced hail estimated to quarter size northwest of Fort Campbell.

Flash Flood, Trigg

When: May 8, 3:15 PM CST to May 9, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Trigg County, 3.16 mi SW of Caledonia to 5.53 mi ENE of Cadiz
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.783, -87.713

Heavy rainfall in the afternoon flooded out stretches of Will Jackson Rd. Additional heavy rainfall in the evening significantly expanded flooding issues in southern portions of Trigg County. Flash flooding continued well into the overnight hours, eventually transitioning from flash flood to flood. Storm total precipitation was 3 to 8 inches, with the heaviest totals along the Tennessee border and in a band across the middle of the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Trigg

When: May 8, 3:23 PM CST
Where: Trigg County, 2.15 mi NNE of Cadiz Broadbent Arpt
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.930, -87.720

Trees were reported down south of Cerulean Springs as a thunderstorm moved eastward through Trigg County.

Flash Flood, Union

When: May 8, 4:20 PM CST to 9:30 PM CST
Where: Union County, 2.01 mi SW of Henshaw to 1.73 mi NW of Henshaw
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.601, -88.078

Multiple roads were briefly closed due to flash flooding including KY-130 at mile marker 1.3. Radar estimated 2 to 3 inches of rain fell during the afternoon hours in SW Union County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Livingston

When: May 8, 4:58 PM CST
Where: Livingston County, 0.55 mi E of Salem
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.270, -88.240

Power lines were downed over a road in Salem as a late afternoon thunderstorm crossed Livingston County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Christian

When: May 8, 6:06 PM CST to 6:11 PM CST
Where: Christian County, 0.39 mi NNE of Empire to 0.48 mi W of Seldon
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 37.085, -87.498

A COOP observer reported that a large tree was uprooted due to an afternoon thunderstorm moving across northern Christian County while law enforcement reported that, further north, a tree was downed on Madisonville Rd.

Hail, Christian

When: May 8, 6:07 PM CST
Where: Christian County, 0.49 mi NNE of Empire
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.087, -87.497

Hail estimated to half dollar size fell north of Crofton as a supercell storm moved through northern Christian County.

Hail, McCracken

When: May 8, 6:22 PM CST to 6:28 PM CST
Where: McCracken County, 2.6 mi WNW of Massac to 1.44 mi WSW of Avondale Hgts
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.040, -88.720

A trained spotter reported hail estimated at quarter size near U.S. 62 west of Paducah. Emergency management reported hail estimated at half dollar size near the intersection of New Holt Rd and Friendship Rd.

Flash Flood, Christian

When: May 8, 7:30 PM CST to May 9, 3:00 AM CST
Where: Christian County, 2.97 mi NNE of Gainsville to 1.21 mi WNW of Gracey
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.910, -87.449

Heavy rain early evening produced flooding near the KY/TN border and on the Pennyrile Parkway just south of Hopkinsville. Torrential rainfall beginning just before midnight resulted in more widespread flash flooding in Hopkinsville just after midnight. Many roads and low water spots flooded. A manhole cover flipped out at Hilltop Dr and N Main in Hopkinsville with damage to the road surface. The Colonial Apartments and Christian County High School entrances flooded. Additional flooding occurred in southern portions of Christian County. Storm total rainfall was 3 to 5 inches in Hopkinsville and 5 to 8 inches in Fort Campbell.

Tornado, Daviess

When: May 8, 8:39 PM CST to 8:42 PM CST
Where: Daviess County, 1.98 mi WNW of St Joseph to 1.06 mi NE of St Joseph
Rating: EF0
Path length: 2.66 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Property damage: $55,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.711, -87.363

An EF-0 tornado touched down 2 miles northwest of St. Joseph in western Daviess County, traveled eastward 2.66 miles, and lifted 1 mile northeast of St. Joseph. Numerous large tree limbs were downed along the damage path. A few hog barns suffered roof damage. One house had a small area of shingles removed. The estimated peak wind was 80 mph and the maximum path width was 50 yards.

Tornado, Daviess

When: May 8, 8:41 PM CST to 8:46 PM CST
Where: Daviess County, 0.84 mi WNW of St Joseph to 0.41 mi WSW of West Louisville
Rating: EF0
Path length: 3.11 mi
Path width: 300 yd
Property damage: $45,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.706, -87.343

An EF-0 tornado touched down 3 miles west-northwest of West Louisville in western Daviess County, traveled 3.11 miles east-southeast, and lifted at West Louisville. A few large barns and outbuildings had portions of their roofs removed with one outbuilding also losing a portion of an exterior wall. A few wooden power poles were damaged or leaning slightly. A carport was lifted and tossed into the top of a nearby tree. Numerous large tree limbs were downed along the damage path, and one tree in very soggy soil was uprooted. The estimated peak wind was 85 mph and the maximum path width was 300 yards.

Thunderstorm Wind, Daviess

When: May 8, 8:44 PM CST to 8:45 PM CST
Where: Daviess County, 1.34 mi NE of Maple Mt to 0.7 mi WSW of West Louisville
Measured: 87 kt (100 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.696, -87.306

Several large trees were uprooted along KY 56 west of West Louisville. About 10 wooden power poles were snapped or suffered damage to cross-members. Nearly all damage was oriented from north to south. Estimated peak winds were 100 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Daviess

When: May 8, 8:44 PM CST to 8:57 PM CST
Where: Daviess County, 1.58 mi E of Birk City to 0.76 mi NW of Dermot
Measured: 74 kt (85 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.779, -87.251

Widespread straight-line wind damage occurred in northern Daviess County through the city of Owensboro with several homes damaged, at least a couple dozen trees down, and power poles snapped.

Tornado, Daviess

When: May 8, 8:49 PM CST to 8:50 PM CST
Where: Daviess County, 0.64 mi N of Rome to 0.5 mi E of Rome
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.86 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.729, -87.182

An EF-1 tornado touched down briefly just north of Rome, KY. One farm outbuilding was severely damaged, with heavy machinery tossed or pushed into nearby open fields. A grain bin and outbuildings were also damaged. Two large trees were snapped at the base, and several large limbs were downed. The estimated peak wind was 95 mph. The path length was under one mile and the maximum path width was 100 yards.

Thunderstorm Wind, Daviess

When: May 8, 8:49 PM CST
Where: Daviess County, Rome
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.720, -87.180

Straight-line wind damage occurred on the south side of the Rome, KY tornado track. An outbuilding collapsed and tree limbs were broken.

Flood, Daviess

When: May 8, 8:50 PM CST to 10:20 PM CST
Where: Daviess County, 2.79 mi NNW of (Owb)owensboro Arpt to 1.57 mi N of Dermot
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.789, -87.185

Isolated minor street flooding in poor drainage areas occurred with mPING reports sent in from 3 W Owensboro and 3 W Philpot.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLean

When: May 8, 9:03 PM CST to 9:04 PM CST
Where: McLean County, 1.28 mi NNW of Livermore to 0.7 mi N of Livermore
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.497, -87.138

A very powerful thunderstorm outflow boundary resulted in a mile wide swath of straight line wind damage as the line pushed through Livermore. Several large trees were uprooted with several large tree branches down. A few homes sustained minor shingle damage while a warehouse had partial roof loss. According to Livermore Public Works and McLean County EMA, several power lines were down along with damaged poles in town.

Flood, McCracken

When: May 8, 9:45 PM CST to May 9, 12:00 AM CST
Where: McCracken County, 1.35 mi WSW of Reidland to 0.96 mi NNW of Oaks
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.011, -88.552

A report was submitted via mPING of minor flooding near Reidland. 3 hr rainfall estimates during the late evening were 1.5-2 inches in the area.

Hail, Christian

When: May 8, 11:08 PM CST
Where: Christian County, 0.55 mi W of Hopkinsville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.850, -87.490

Hail measured to quarter size was reported in Hopkinsville due to a thunderstorm line moving through just after midnight.

Thunderstorm Wind, Todd

When: May 8, 11:30 PM CST
Where: Todd County, 2.38 mi WNW of North Zion
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 36.761, -87.211

A thunderstorm line after midnight brought down power lines onto Old Trenton Rd.

Flood, Christian

When: May 9, 1:00 AM CST to 4:30 AM CST
Where: Christian County, 1.5 mi NNE of Casky to 3.78 mi E of Hopkinsville Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 36.841, -87.421

Heavy rain in Christian County from the May 8th storms resulted in rapid river level rises on the South Fork of the Little River with minor flooding occurring during pre-dawn hours of the 9th near the 68/80 site. Farmland flooding and some street flooding of nearby roads briefly occurred.

Flood, Trigg

When: May 9, 3:00 AM CST to 8:00 AM CST
Where: Trigg County, 3.16 mi SW of Caledonia to 5.53 mi ENE of Cadiz
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.783, -87.713

Late in the overnight hours, flooding transitioned from a flash flood event into a flood event as ponding water slowly receded. 3-8 inches of rain had fallen across Trigg County. Roads with lingering flooding included Old Dover Rd, Donaldson Creek Rd, Maple Grove Rd, Oak Grove Church Rd, and many more.

Flood, Christian

When: May 9, 3:30 AM CST to 12:00 PM CST
Where: Christian County, 1.32 mi N of Casky to 0.07 mi E of Hopkinsville Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 36.839, -87.427

Heavy rain in Christian County from the May 8th storms resulted in rapid river level rises on the South Fork of the Little River with minor flooding occurring during the morning of the 9th near the Bypass site. Farmland flooding and some street flooding of nearby roads occurred.

Flood, Muhlenberg

When: May 10, 12:30 AM CST to May 15, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Muhlenberg County, 0.15 mi S of Paradise to 0.28 mi ESE of Martwick
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 37.268, -86.980

Heavy rain along the Green River basin from the May 8th storms resulted in water levels rising at Paradise with a crest just barely below moderate flood stage. Impacts were primarily to agricultural low-lying areas.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Funnel Cloud: A rotating column of cloud extending from a thunderstorm that did not reach the ground.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Kentucky in 2024 Every state in 2024 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Kentucky, 2024 Warnings in Kentucky, May 2024

Sources

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: 1188536, 1183349, 1183398, 1188537, 1183395, 1183405, 1183412, 1183948, 1183408, 1184016, 1183958, 1183423, 1183424, 1183426, 1184278, 1184281, 1183805, 1183443, 1183450, 1183454, 1183451, 1183809, 1183807, 1183494, 1183969, 1183499, 1183501, 1183817, 1183373, 1183456, 1183828, 1184049, 1183813, 1183973, 1183890, 1183832, 1183844, 1183841, 1184087, 1183896, and more.