Kentucky, 2025

Tornadoes and Hail in Kentucky, May 16, 2025

May 16, 2025 · NWS LMK · 120 events in 29 counties and zones

A strong storm system moved across the central and eastern United States from May 16th into May 17th, producing a significant severe weather event across the Mississippi and Ohio Valley. An unusually deep closed upper low slowly moved across the upper Midwest on the 16th, with strong mid- and upper-level southwest flow overspreading the Mississippi and Ohio Valley.

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
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
120

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 LMK wrote it up.

A strong storm system moved across the central and eastern United States from May 16th into May 17th, producing a significant severe weather event across the Mississippi and Ohio Valley. An unusually deep closed upper low slowly moved across the upper Midwest on the 16th, with strong mid- and upper-level southwest flow overspreading the Mississippi and Ohio Valley. The upper low pressure system brought a surface cold front into the Mississippi Valley by the morning of May 16th, with the front stalling out over the region until clearing to the east by the morning hours of May 17th. Ahead of the cold front, a typically unstable late spring air mass was present, with temperatures in the 80s and dewpoint temperatures in the upper 60s and lower 70s. The combination of strong wind shear for mid-May and a moist, unstable environment set the stage for severe weather across central Kentucky and southern Indiana.

During the early morning hours on May 16th, discrete cells, some supercellular, began to develop along the Ohio River and across central Kentucky. These cells were assisted by a 35 knot southwesterly low-level jet, which provided enough instability via low-level moisture transport for convection to initiate. Most of the morning convection was elevated, with between 2000-3000 J/kg of most unstable parcel CAPE present above a relatively stable boundary layer. Given the strong flow aloft, effective bulk shear was strong, around 55-60 kt, supporting organized multicell and supercell clusters. For the first wave of storms which moved across central Kentucky during the morning hours, large hail was the primary severe threat, with several reports of quarter to ping pong ball sized hail reported in severe storms. By later in the morning, isolated wind damage was also observed with severe storms across south central Kentucky. The first wave of storms continued until around midday, with a lull in activity occurring through the late afternoon hours.

During the early and mid-afternoon hours, breaks in cloud cover allowed for additional destabilization to occur, with temperatures warming into the low 80s and dewpoint temperatures in the low 70s ahead of the second wave of severe storms. This would support between 3500-4500 J/kg of surface-based CAPE across central Kentucky and extending into southern Indiana, setting up quite an unstable environment. Wind shear values were also extremely high ahead of the second wave of storms, with 60-70 knots of effective bulk shear noted in mesoanalysis data. Strong low-level wind shear and helicity were also present, with the parameter space supporting significant threats from damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes. The second wave of storms began as a broken line of supercells across Missouri, which moved into western and central Kentucky during the early evening hours. A dominant lead supercell moved across south central Kentucky, producing significant wind damage and up to baseball sized hail as it tracked from Logan and Butler County across to Russell County. As the supercell moved across Russell County, rotation aloft within the cell translated to the ground, with the storm producing a strong tornado which produced up to EF3 damage in eastern Russell County before tracking for nearly 60 miles across southeastern Kentucky, with maximum damage of EF4 strength near London. Additional supercells farther to the north also produced isolated wind damage and hail. By the late evening hours, supercells across western Kentucky and southern Illinois merged into a squall line as it moved over central Kentucky, producing larger swaths of wind damage with several reports of over 60 mph winds. A spin-up tornado was also observed with this line over Logan County, producing EF1 damage. The line of severe storms finally pushed into eastern Kentucky during the early morning hours on May 17th, bringing an end to the severe weather threat.

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 Louisville, KY wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 16, 2:07 AM CST, 2 hours 9 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • * SIGNIFICANT SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK POSSIBLE LATE THIS AFTERNOON INTO THIS EVENING. * All severe weather hazards are on the table, including damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, and torrential rainfall. A few strong tornadoes and instances of very large hail are possible. * Strong to severe thunderstorms are also possible this morning west of Interstate 65, with large hail as the main hazard.
Area forecast discussion, May 16, 2:07 AM CST, 2 hours 9 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Louisville KY
407 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025

.KEY MESSAGES...

*  SIGNIFICANT SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK POSSIBLE LATE THIS AFTERNOON
   INTO THIS EVENING.

*  All severe weather hazards are on the table, including damaging
   winds, large hail, tornadoes, and torrential rainfall. A few
   strong tornadoes and instances of very large hail are possible.

*  Strong to severe thunderstorms are also possible this morning
   west of Interstate 65, with large hail as the main hazard.

&&

.MESOSCALE...
Issued at 336 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025

Boundary has lit up from the Shawnee National Forest in southern
Illinois ENE to near Henderson, and storms tapped into strong
elevated instability to produce vigorous cores aloft. Given the very
unstable and strongly sheared environment, as storms continue to
develop through early morning they will carry mainly a SVR hail
threat from the Pennyrile into the Hoosier National Forest and
sections of Kentucky west of Interstate 65. Damaging winds and even
a tornado or two can't be ruled out completely, but storms will have
a really difficult time becoming sfc based. Confidence is also
slightly diminished south of the WK Parkway but we could see
convection down toward BWG later in the morning.

&&

.SHORT TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
Issued at 407 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025

A significant severe weather outbreak is possible later this
afternoon and this evening across the Ohio Valley. Storms developing
ahead of an incoming cold front will quickly become severe in a very
unstable and strongly sheared environment. All severe weather
hazards, including widespread damaging winds, very large hail, and
strong tornadoes are possible, as well as localized flash flooding.

Main bust potential hinges on the evolution of storms this morning,
which have developed over western Kentucky. These storms will have a
large hail threat of their own, especially west of Interstate 65.
While they will at least temporarily stabilize the atmosphere,
strong warm advection is likely to win out, allowing a fairly quick
recovery this afternoon.

With around 3000 J/kg of mixed-layer CAPE, 1000 J/kg of downdraft
CAPE, and 60 kt of effective shear, initially discrete storms will
organize into at least bowing segments. A few of the discrete cells
could produce very large hail and/or strong tornadoes, and line
segments could produce hurricane-force wind gusts. Spin-up tornadoes
will also be in play with any of the bowing structures as well.

The peak severe threat could be slightly delayed depending on how
quickly the atmosphere can reload after morning convection, but the
threat will mainly be focused on the evening hours. Initial discrete
cells could develop in the late afternoon.

It's also worth noting that in the late evening, the line will
become more east-west oriented, opening the door for excessive
rainfall especially over south-central Kentucky. Confidence in the
exact placement is low at this time, but it bears watching as the
event unfolds.

Bottom line, significant severe weather is possible late this
afternoon and this evening. Make sure you have multiple ways to
receive warnings and a plan in place should a warning be issued!

&&

.LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
Issued at 352 PM EDT Thu May 15 2025

By Saturday morning, the actual cold front will be pushing through
the area with most of the showers and storms exiting to our east.
The associated upper low will be over the Great Lakes with the
longwave trough axis extending south over the OH and TN Valleys
before flattening out against the subtropical ridge over the Gulf.
Weak CAA behind the front will result in climatological normal
temperatures for the weekend with highs in the mid to upper 70s to
lower 80s accompanied by breezy WSW winds on Saturday. Overall, most
will experience a fair weather weekend.

Southern KY will see a slight chance of showers on Sunday as the
southern edge of the new airmass begins to lift northward due to the
next low pressure system strengthening over the Central Plains. This
will begin another period of unsettled weather as we enter the
beginning of the new work week.

By Monday, a warm front will begin lifting across the region
resulting in warm and moist air advection, as PWATs surge into the
upper percentiles of SPC's sounding climatology. Models tend to
agree on convection from our west moving into our area by Monday
morning with another round Monday evening. The warm front appears to
stall over the region, prolonging our shower and storm chances into
Tuesday and Wednesday before the occluded low pushes through on
Wednesday. With model soundings advertising sufficient instability
and ML guidance also showing enhanced severe probabilities, severe
weather can not be ruled out. Details remain hazy this far out, but
will continue to monitor closely with subsequent forecast packages.
Stay tuned.

&&

.AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z SATURDAY/...
Issued at 137 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025

Main challenge in this TAF set is timing and impacts of two
different potential waves of convection.  Low-confidence forecast
overnight as hi-res models show new development after ~08Z.
Consensus timing on a morning wave would be starting 10-12Z for the
terminals but could easily be focused just in the north on SDF and
LEX or just south in BWG. Will carry a period of SHRA for now
without any significant restrictions in cig/vis.

Gusty SSW winds through the afternoon, and then another wave of
storms comes in starting around 00Z, mainly for SDF and LEX. Handled
those with TEMPO for IFR vis and gusty winds in the stronger storms.
The evening storms could produce significant severe wind gusts, but
this will be modulated by the behavior of morning storms, so will
not hit that too hard just yet.

&&

.LMK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
KY...None.
IN...None.

&&

MESOSCALE...RAS
SHORT TERM...RAS
LONG TERM...CG
AVIATION...RAS
Hazardous weather outlook, May 16, 2:13 AM CST, 2 hours 3 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Louisville KY
413 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025

INZ076>079-083-090>092-KYZ028>043-045>049-053>057-063>067-073>078-
081-082-170815-
Orange-Washington IN-Scott IN-Jefferson IN-Dubois-Harrison IN-Floyd-
Clark IN-Hardin-Bullitt-Jefferson-Oldham-Trimble-Henry-Shelby-
Franklin-Scott KY-Harrison KY-Spencer-Anderson-Woodford-Fayette-
Bourbon-Nicholas-Nelson-Washington KY-Mercer-Jessamine-Clark KY-
Larue-Marion-Boyle-Garrard-Madison-Hart-Green-Taylor-Casey-Lincoln-
Allen-Barren-Monroe-Metcalfe-Adair-Russell-Cumberland-Clinton-
413 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025 /313 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025/

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern Indiana
and central Kentucky.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

A significant severe weather outbreak is possible late this afternoon
into this evening. All severe hazards are possible, including
damaging winds, very large hail, and tornadoes, some of which could
be strong.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed.

GENERAL STORM MOTION OF THE DAY:

Storms today will move to the east-northeast at around 60 mph.

Any users of this storm motion must be aware that thunderstorm activity
can be erratic and constantly evolving.  Please use this with caution
and be prepared for changing conditions.

&&

More information, along with other weather, hydrological and
climate information can be found, at weather.gov/louisville.

INZ084-089-KYZ023>027-061-062-070>072-170815-
Crawford-Perry-Hancock-Breckinridge-Meade-Ohio-Grayson-Butler-
Edmonson-Logan-Warren-Simpson-
413 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025 /313 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025/

...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 259 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EDT /9 AM
CDT/ THIS MORNING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern Indiana
and central Kentucky.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov/louisville on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Severe Thunderstorm Watch.

Thunderstorms this morning will be capable of producing large hail.

A significant severe weather outbreak is possible late this afternoon
into this evening. All severe hazards are possible, including
damaging winds, very large hail, and tornadoes, some of which could
be strong.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed.

GENERAL STORM MOTION OF THE DAY:

Storms today will move to the east-northeast at around 60 mph.

Any users of this storm motion must be aware that thunderstorm activity
can be erratic and constantly evolving.  Please use this with caution
and be prepared for changing conditions.

&&

More information, along with other weather, hydrological and
climate information can be found, at weather.gov/louisville.

RAS

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 16, 2:39 AM CST, 1 hour 37 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
439 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025

INZ089-KYZ023>025-160900-
Perry IN-Hancock KY-Meade KY-Breckinridge KY-
439 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHERN PERRY...WEST CENTRAL
MEADE...EAST CENTRAL HANCOCK AND NORTHERN BRECKINRIDGE COUNTIES
THROUGH 500 AM EDT/400 AM CDT/...

At 439 AM EDT/339 AM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking a strong
thunderstorm near Hawesville, moving east at 60 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 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...
Hawesville, Webster, Cannelton, Irvington, Cloverport, Mystic,
Raymond, Frymire, Skillman, and Dodd.

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.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 AM EDT/900
AM CDT/ for south central Indiana...and central Kentucky.

&&

LAT...LON 3778 8675 3790 8681 3806 8638 3783 8627
TIME...MOT...LOC 0839Z 254DEG 51KT 3786 8666

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

CSG
Special weather statement, May 16, 2:57 AM CST, 1 hour 19 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
457 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025

INZ090-KYZ024-025-160930-
Harrison IN-Meade KY-Breckinridge KY-
457 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTH CENTRAL HARRISON...
SOUTHERN MEADE AND NORTHEASTERN BRECKINRIDGE COUNTIES THROUGH 530 AM
EDT/430 AM CDT/...

At 456 AM EDT/356 AM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking a strong
thunderstorm 8 miles north of Hardinsburg, 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...
Brandenburg, Webster, Irvington, Muldraugh, Ekron, Mauckport,
Laconia, Guston, Mystic, and Raymond.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
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.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 AM EDT/900
AM CDT/ for central Kentucky.

&&

LAT...LON 3811 8605 3798 8599 3788 8598 3782 8646
      3796 8651
TIME...MOT...LOC 0856Z 254DEG 42KT 3790 8644

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

CSG
Special weather statement, May 16, 3:13 AM CST, 1 hour 3 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
Issued by National Weather Service Paducah KY
513 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025

KYZ038-039-045>047-054-160945-
Mercer KY-Marion KY-Spencer KY-Washington KY-Nelson KY-Anderson KY-
513 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN SPENCER...
NORTHEASTERN NELSON...MERCER...ANDERSON...NORTHWESTERN MARION AND
WASHINGTON COUNTIES THROUGH 545 AM EDT...

At 513 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Bardstown, or 26 miles east of Elizabethtown, moving east at 65 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel 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...
Bardstown, Lawrenceburg, Harrodsburg, Springfield, Ballard, Burgin,
Bloomfield, Willisburg, Mackville, Booker, Dugansville, Anderson
City, Glensboro, Polin, Johnsonville, Croakes, Seaville, Ashbrook,
Jenkinsville, and Klondyke.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3775 8471 3767 8545 3784 8552 3810 8493
      3793 8481 3792 8483 3792 8480 3789 8480
      3790 8479 3787 8476 3786 8477 3785 8477
      3785 8475 3779 8470 3777 8471 3776 8469
TIME...MOT...LOC 0913Z 251DEG 58KT 3778 8540

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

SHAWKEY
Special weather statement, May 16, 3:35 AM CST, 41 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
435 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025

KYZ026-161000-
Ohio KY-
435 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT OHIO COUNTY THROUGH 500 AM
CDT...

At 435 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Central City, moving east at 60 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 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...
Hartford, Beaver Dam, Centertown, Mchenry, Rockport, Horse Branch,
Taffy, Windy Hill, Magan, and Dogwalk.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
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.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 AM CDT for
south central and central Kentucky.

&&

LAT...LON 3736 8712 3738 8709 3746 8710 3747 8712
      3749 8713 3748 8711 3751 8708 3763 8671
      3739 8662 3732 8699 3735 8701 3737 8705
      3737 8707 3733 8711 3734 8714
TIME...MOT...LOC 0935Z 252DEG 51KT 3738 8717

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

CSG
Special weather statement, May 16, 4:03 AM CST, 13 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
503 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025

INZ089-KYZ023-024-161030-
Perry IN-Hancock KY-Breckinridge KY-
503 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL PERRY...NORTHERN HANCOCK
AND NORTHWESTERN BRECKINRIDGE COUNTIES THROUGH 530 AM CDT...

At 502 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Rockport, moving east at 70 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...
Tell City, Hawesville, Mount Pleasant, Lewisport, Cannelton, Leopold,
Troy, Ranger, Mystic, and Skillman.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
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.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 AM CDT for
south central Indiana...and central Kentucky.

&&

LAT...LON 3793 8697 3794 8692 3802 8680 3800 8677
      3804 8679 3807 8678 3815 8650 3805 8646
      3804 8649 3801 8644 3789 8639 3782 8684
      3784 8685 3783 8690 3784 8691 3788 8689
      3790 8692 3789 8699 3790 8699
TIME...MOT...LOC 1002Z 250DEG 61KT 3788 8704

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

CSG
Special weather statement, May 16, 4:05 AM CST, 11 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
505 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025

KYZ024-026-027-161030-
Grayson KY-Ohio KY-Breckinridge KY-
505 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT GRAYSON...SOUTHEASTERN
BRECKINRIDGE AND EAST CENTRAL OHIO COUNTIES THROUGH 530 AM CDT...

At 505 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 15
miles east of Hartford, moving east at 60 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 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...
Leitchfield, Clarkson, Caneyville, Concord, Horse Branch, Steff,
Saint Paul, Tousey, Do Stop, and Pine Knob.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
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.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 AM CDT for
central and south central Kentucky.

&&

LAT...LON 3765 8624 3759 8628 3759 8626 3760 8625
      3758 8623 3758 8621 3756 8618 3757 8617
      3756 8615 3757 8611 3750 8605 3748 8605
      3746 8607 3745 8605 3738 8657 3740 8661
      3737 8665 3737 8667 3748 8673
TIME...MOT...LOC 1005Z 249DEG 52KT 3744 8661

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

CSG

The radar

The Louisville radar (KLVX), 67 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 10:14 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

74 thunderstorm wind, 44 hail, 2 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Grayson

When
May 16, 4:16 AM CST
Where
Grayson County, 1.78 mi ESE of Black Rock
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.460, -86.340

Hail, Grayson

When
May 16, 4:19 AM CST
Where
Grayson County, Leitchfield
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.480, -86.300

Nickel to quarter sized hail was observed on the west side of Leitchfield.

Hail, Grayson

When
May 16, 4:20 AM CST
Where
Grayson County, 0.55 mi E of Leitchfield
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.480, -86.290

Ample amounts of quarter sized hail fell in Leitchfield.

Hail, Grayson

When
May 16, 4:20 AM CST
Where
Grayson County, 2.15 mi NE of Leitchfield
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.500, -86.270

Hail, Marion

When
May 16, 6:06 AM EST
Where
Marion County, Lebanon
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
37.570, -85.250

Quarter sized hail was observed in Lebanon.

Hail, Marion

When
May 16, 6:10 AM EST
Where
Marion County, Lebanon
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.570, -85.250

Quarter sized hail was observed in Lebanon.

Hail, Boyle

When
May 16, 6:34 AM EST
Where
Boyle County, 0.88 mi SE of Alum Spgs
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.590, -84.840

Thunderstorm Wind, Garrard

When
May 16, 6:47 AM EST
Where
Garrard County, 1.21 mi N of Lancaster
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.637, -84.583

Trees were blown down across Sugar Creek Road near the intersection of Lexington Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Garrard

When
May 16, 6:50 AM EST
Where
Garrard County, 0.38 mi NNW of Hyattsville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.605, -84.523

A tree was blown down over Kirksville Road.

Hail, Garrard

When
May 16, 6:58 AM EST
Where
Garrard County, 1.3 mi ENE of Cartersville
Measured
1.5 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.540, -84.400

Ping pong ball sized hail was reported observed near Cartersville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Garrard

When
May 16, 7:00 AM EST
Where
Garrard County, 3.07 mi ENE of Cartersville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.550, -84.370

A tree was blown down along Cartersville Road near the Madison County line.

Hail, Madison

When
May 16, 7:02 AM EST
Where
Madison County, 0.88 mi SW of Slate Lick
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
CoCoRaHS
Coordinates
37.540, -84.330

Hail, Madison

When
May 16, 7:08 AM EST
Where
Madison County, Asbury
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.570, -84.300

Quarter sized hail was reported in Berea.

Hail, Breckinridge

When
May 16, 6:20 AM CST
Where
Breckinridge County, 0.88 mi NW of Rosetta
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.810, -86.280

Hail, Butler

When
May 16, 7:10 AM CST
Where
Butler County, 1.77 mi NE of Silver City
Measured
1.5 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.150, -86.830

Thunderstorm Wind, Warren

When
May 16, 7:20 AM CST
Where
Warren County, 0.49 mi W of Benleo
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
37.121, -86.559

A tree was blown down on Mercer Road near Riverside Benleo Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Butler

When
May 16, 7:21 AM CST
Where
Butler County, Aberdeen
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
37.250, -86.680

A large tree was blown down across a road and fell onto a house, resulting in structural damage to the roof.

Thunderstorm Wind, Edmonson

When
May 16, 7:29 AM CST
Where
Edmonson County, 0.88 mi NW of Segal
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.210, -86.390

A tree was blown down and small hail was also observed.

Hail, Edmonson

When
May 16, 7:34 AM CST
Where
Edmonson County, 0.69 mi S of Huff
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.240, -86.370

Hail, Anderson

When
May 16, 8:37 AM EST
Where
Anderson County, 1.76 mi NW of Johnsonville
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.950, -85.120

Quarter sized hail was observed along Kentucky Route 248 in western Anderson County.

Hail, Anderson

When
May 16, 8:50 AM EST
Where
Anderson County, 1.49 mi NNE of Lawrenceburg
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
38.050, -84.890

Hail, Anderson

When
May 16, 8:51 AM EST
Where
Anderson County, 0.88 mi SW of Lawrenceburg
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
38.020, -84.910

Hail, Anderson

When
May 16, 8:51 AM EST
Where
Anderson County, 1.29 mi WSW of Lawrenceburg
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
38.020, -84.920

Hail, Green

When
May 16, 8:15 AM CST
Where
Green County, 0.69 mi S of Greensburg
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.260, -85.500

Thunderstorm Wind, Taylor

When
May 16, 9:20 AM EST
Where
Taylor County, 1.77 mi NW of Campbellsville Arpt
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
37.370, -85.340

A tree, power pole, and power lines were brought down just north of the intersection of North Bypass and Old Lebanon Road in Campbellsville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Taylor

When
May 16, 9:20 AM EST
Where
Taylor County, 1.3 mi WNW of Campbellsville Arpt
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
37.360, -85.340

Power lines were downed on Forecast Avenue in Campbellsville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Casey

When
May 16, 9:43 AM EST
Where
Casey County, 0.96 mi NW of Beech Bottom
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.380, -84.962

A tree was blown down along Sharp Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lincoln

When
May 16, 9:57 AM EST
Where
Lincoln County, 0.89 mi SSE of Blue Lick
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.469, -84.712

A tree was blown down along Martins Trail outside of McKinney.

Hail, Green

When
May 16, 9:05 AM CST
Where
Green County, 1.3 mi WNW of Greensburg
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.280, -85.520

Hail, Taylor

When
May 16, 10:15 AM EST
Where
Taylor County, 1.38 mi N of Campbellsville
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.350, -85.350

Hail, Barren

When
May 16, 9:30 AM CST
Where
Barren County, 1.38 mi S of Goodnight
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.060, -85.900

Hail, Logan

When
May 16, 5:55 PM CST
Where
Logan County, 1.3 mi ESE of Jerico
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.990, -86.950

Hail, Bullitt

When
May 16, 7:24 PM EST
Where
Bullitt County, 0.88 mi NW of Ting
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
38.090, -85.480

Hail, Warren

When
May 16, 6:28 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 0.88 mi NE of Hadley
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
37.060, -86.610

Hail, Anderson

When
May 16, 7:36 PM EST
Where
Anderson County, 0.69 mi N of Alton
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
38.090, -84.930

Hail, Warren

When
May 16, 6:39 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 0.55 mi E of Memphis Jct
Measured
2.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.950, -86.470

Baseball sized hail was observed on the south side of Bowling Green.

Hail, Warren

When
May 16, 6:40 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 1.79 mi WNW of Bowling Green
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.990, -86.460

Hail, Warren

When
May 16, 6:41 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 1.49 mi NNW of Bowling Green
Measured
1.5 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.000, -86.440

Hail, Warren

When
May 16, 6:42 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 0.88 mi SW of Bowling Green
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.970, -86.440

Hail, Warren

When
May 16, 6:42 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 1.49 mi NNW of Bowling Green
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.000, -86.440

Hail, Warren

When
May 16, 6:46 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 1.3 mi WNW of Bowling Green
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
36.990, -86.450

Hail, Warren

When
May 16, 6:46 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 0.55 mi W of Bristow
Measured
2.5 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.020, -86.380

Hail, Warren

When
May 16, 6:46 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 1.38 mi S of Girkin
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.050, -86.370

Hail, Warren

When
May 16, 6:47 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 1.3 mi ENE of Bristow
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.030, -86.350

Hail, Warren

When
May 16, 6:48 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 0.55 mi W of Gotts
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.970, -86.310

Hail, Warren

When
May 16, 6:48 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 0.55 mi E of Bristow
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.020, -86.360

Hail, Warren

When
May 16, 6:49 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 0.55 mi W of Bristow
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.020, -86.380

Hail, Warren

When
May 16, 6:50 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 0.69 mi N of Bristow
Measured
2.75 in hail
Reported by
CoCoRaHS
Coordinates
37.030, -86.370

A hailstorm moved through the Plum Springs area, with hail lasting for 10 minutes. The largest hailstones were baseball size, with the average hailstone being golf ball size.

Hail, Warren

When
May 16, 6:54 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 0.69 mi N of Oakland
Measured
2 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.040, -86.250

Thunderstorm Wind, Warren

When
May 16, 6:54 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 2.3 mi NW of Gotts
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
36.990, -86.333

A large tree was blown down by rear flank downdraft winds across Bethel Lane.

Thunderstorm Wind, Barren

When
May 16, 7:12 PM CST
Where
Barren County, 2.33 mi S of Cave City
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.096, -85.973

A tree was blown down at the intersection of Happy Valley Road and Old Happy Valley Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hancock

When
May 16, 7:24 PM CST
Where
Hancock County, 1.9 mi S of Petrie
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.903, -86.802

A tree was blown down onto power lines on Kentucky Route 271 west of Hawesville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hancock

When
May 16, 7:38 PM CST
Where
Hancock County, Weberstown
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.770, -86.780

A large tree was blown down across Kentucky Route 69 near Weberstown.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hancock

When
May 16, 7:39 PM CST
Where
Hancock County, 0.55 mi E of Goering
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.800, -86.760

A tree was blown down on the 7200 block of Kentucky Route 69.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hancock

When
May 16, 7:43 PM CST
Where
Hancock County, 1.65 mi WSW of Victoria Xrds
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.738, -86.706

A tree was blown down along Hawesville Easton Road between Lamastus Road and Boling Hill.

Thunderstorm Wind, Meade

When
May 16, 8:47 PM EST
Where
Meade County, 0.88 mi NW of Andyville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
38.040, -86.380

A tree was blown down across Rhodelia Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Meade

When
May 16, 8:50 PM EST
Where
Meade County, 2.02 mi W of Payneville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.978, -86.357

A tree was blown down near the intersection of Kentucky Route 376 and New State Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Meade

When
May 16, 8:59 PM EST
Where
Meade County, 0.84 mi SW of Buck Grove
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.910, -86.139

A large tree was blown down near the intersection of Dave Smith Road and Sunny Lane.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jefferson

When
May 16, 9:05 PM EST
Where
Jefferson County, 1.45 mi SSW of St Dennis
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
38.202, -85.834

A tree was blown down near the 4200 block of Cane Run Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bullitt

When
May 16, 9:06 PM EST
Where
Bullitt County, 0.57 mi ENE of Cupio
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
38.003, -85.870

A tree was blown down across Cupio Lane.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jefferson

When
May 16, 9:06 PM EST
Where
Jefferson County, 0.69 mi S of (Sdf)staniford Fld L
Measured
71 kt (82 mph) measured gust
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
38.170, -85.730

A 71 knot wind gust measured at Standiford Field ASOS.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jefferson

When
May 16, 9:08 PM EST
Where
Jefferson County, 0.27 mi SSW of Petersburg
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
38.177, -85.672

A tree fell onto a house on the 5100 block of Yew Lane in Louisville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bullitt

When
May 16, 9:09 PM EST
Where
Bullitt County, 0.23 mi WNW of Gap in Knob
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
38.022, -85.704

A tree was blown down across Coral Ridge Road north of Shepherdsville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Adair

When
May 16, 8:09 PM CST
Where
Adair County, 0.69 mi S of Fairplay
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.010, -85.300

Multiple trees were blown down in Fairplay.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bullitt

When
May 16, 9:09 PM EST
Where
Bullitt County, 0.87 mi NW of Gospel Campground
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
38.008, -85.792

A tree was blown down along the 200 block of East Martin Place.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bullitt

When
May 16, 9:10 PM EST
Where
Bullitt County, 2.29 mi ENE of Brooks
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
38.079, -85.659

A tree was blown down across Blue Jay Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bullitt

When
May 16, 9:10 PM EST
Where
Bullitt County, 0.69 mi N of Bardstown Jct
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.940, -85.700

A tree was blown down across the 3500 block of Preston Highway.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bullitt

When
May 16, 9:10 PM EST
Where
Bullitt County, 1.38 mi S of Gap in Knob
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
38.000, -85.700

Metal fences were blown down, siding was removed from mobile homes, and smaller trees were blown down. A hand held anemometer measured 70 mph before it was blown away.

Thunderstorm Wind, Butler

When
May 16, 8:12 PM CST
Where
Butler County, 1.3 mi ENE of Morgantown
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.230, -86.680

Multiple trees were blown down in Morgantown.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bullitt

When
May 16, 9:12 PM EST
Where
Bullitt County, 3.29 mi E of Hubers
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
38.035, -85.640

A tree was blown down on the 2500 block of Bells Mill Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jefferson

When
May 16, 9:14 PM EST
Where
Jefferson County, 1.49 mi WSW of Shively
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
38.172, -85.845

A tree was blown onto a home on the 2500 block of Adrienne Way.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jefferson

When
May 16, 9:15 PM EST
Where
Jefferson County, 0.52 mi ENE of Hollyvilla
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
38.103, -85.721

A tree was blown down on the 2500 block of Granger Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bullitt

When
May 16, 9:16 PM EST
Where
Bullitt County, 0.38 mi E of Mt Washington
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
38.049, -85.543

A tree was blown down across the 200 block of Bardstown Road in Mt. Washington.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bullitt

When
May 16, 9:16 PM EST
Where
Bullitt County, 0.54 mi E of Mt Washington
Measured
63 kt (72 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
38.050, -85.540

A 73 mph wind gust was measured from both a hand held anemometer as well as a personal weather statement.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bullitt

When
May 16, 9:17 PM EST
Where
Bullitt County, 1.73 mi E of Mt Washington
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
38.051, -85.518

A tree was blown down across Hubbard Lane.

Hail, Bullitt

When
May 16, 9:17 PM EST
Where
Bullitt County, 0.88 mi NE of Mt Washington
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
38.060, -85.540

Thunderstorm Wind, Bullitt

When
May 16, 9:17 PM EST
Where
Bullitt County, 1.29 mi ENE of Mt Washington
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
38.060, -85.530

Multiple power poles were snapped near Bullitt East High School.

Thunderstorm Wind, Russell

When
May 16, 8:20 PM CST
Where
Russell County, 2.07 mi N of Gum Corners
Measured
60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
37.010, -85.170

Multiple barns were damaged near Cabin Creek Road and V Blakey Road. Radar signatures suggest damage was associated with a rear flank downdraft surge.

Hail, Russell

When
May 16, 8:23 PM CST
Where
Russell County, 0.88 mi NE of Dent
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.060, -85.090

Thunderstorm Wind, Spencer

When
May 16, 9:23 PM EST
Where
Spencer County, 1.38 mi S of Wilsonville
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
38.100, -85.400

Multiple trees and large limbs were blown down in the Elk Creek area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Butler

When
May 16, 8:27 PM CST
Where
Butler County, 0.55 mi E of Davis Xrds
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.050, -86.740

Multiple trees were blown down in the southeastern part of Butler County.

Tornado, Russell

When
May 16, 8:27 PM CST to 8:35 PM CST
Where
Russell County, 0.98 mi S of Eller to 2.7 mi WNW of Vinnie
Rating
EF3
Path length
7.78 mi
Path width
500 yd
Continued into
Pulaski, Ky (JKL)
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
37.016, -85.032

The tornado first touched down along Kentucky Highway 619 about two and a half miles northeast of Jamestown, causing damage to a garage, two antenna towers and several trees. Sporadic damage east of Highway 619 seems to suggest that the tornado may have briefly lifted for a few hundred yards after its initial touchdown point before touching back down in a grove of trees between 619 and John Streat Road. EF-1 damage was observed in this area, with winds estimated between 95 and 100 mph. The tornado then caused roofing damage to a house along John Streat Road as it continued east, also producing a swath of uprooted trees as it crossed a finger of Lake Cumberland. The tornado gradually intensified as it crossed Parks Ridge, causing a mobile home to turn over along Lynch Road. As the tornado went through Eli, it continued to intensify, snapping and uprooting swaths of trees and causing destruction of multiple mobile homes. The damage in this area was consistent with high end EF-1 and EF-2 levels, between 100 and 130 mph. The most severe damage from the tornado in Russell County occurred as it crossed Gosser Ridge before going into Pulaski County. Multiple brick homes on Gosser Ridge Road had their roofs removed and exterior walls collapse. Swaths of trees were snapped and uprooted, with some debarking noted. Damage from the tornado as it crossed into Pulaski County was consistent with EF-3 levels, with maximum winds estimated at 145 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Spencer

When
May 16, 9:30 PM EST
Where
Spencer County, 0.88 mi SW of Wakefield
Measured
51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
37.960, -85.310

A 59 mph wind gust was measured at the Spencer County Kentucky mesonet station.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hardin

When
May 16, 9:30 PM EST
Where
Hardin County, 1.49 mi SSW of St John
Measured
51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
37.680, -85.980

A 59 mph wind gust was measured at the Hardin County Kentucky mesonet station.

Hail, Russell

When
May 16, 8:32 PM CST
Where
Russell County, Dallo
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.070, -84.980

Hail, Russell

When
May 16, 8:32 PM CST
Where
Russell County, Horntown
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.070, -85.000

Hail, Spencer

When
May 16, 9:32 PM EST
Where
Spencer County, 1.77 mi ENE of Taylorsville
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
38.040, -85.320

Thunderstorm Wind, Larue

When
May 16, 9:34 PM EST
Where
Larue County, 1.1 mi W of Barren Run
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.520, -85.840

A large tree was blown down across Sonora Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Casey

When
May 16, 9:38 PM EST
Where
Casey County, 0.55 mi E of Windsor
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.130, -84.910

Multiple trees were blown down in Windsor.

Thunderstorm Wind, Larue

When
May 16, 9:50 PM EST
Where
Larue County, 1.3 mi ESE of Jericho
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.510, -85.630

Multiple trees were blown down in the eastern part of LaRue County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marion

When
May 16, 9:51 PM EST
Where
Marion County, 0.69 mi N of Loretto
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.640, -85.400

Multiple trees were blown down in the Loretto area.

Tornado, Logan

When
May 16, 8:55 PM CST to 8:57 PM CST
Where
Logan County, 0.83 mi SW of Danby to 1.36 mi NE of Russellville
Rating
EF1
Path length
2.57 mi
Path width
75 yd
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
36.872, -86.911

At approximately 9:55 PM CDT on May 16, 2025, a|tornado touched down on Lewisburg Rd, just to the east of US|Highway 431. The tornado touched down as an EF-0, producing minor|tree damage to a residence on Lewisburg Road. It continued eastward|rapidly, crossing Hidden Valley Road and following nearly parallel|to Cates Bypass Road. It produced EF-0 damage to an outdoor shed|near a single residence on Newtown Road, tossing debris into a|field to the east. The tornado began to strengthen as it churned|toward W H Brown Road, which is where EF-1 damage was observed. The|tornado damaged a small metal garage structure, completely|lifting the entire roof off of the structure. As the tornado|continued eastward, it caused minor shingle damage to a single|home on W H Brown Road. Another 150 yards to the east, the tornado|caused more roof damage to a farm building, peeling off some|metal roof panels and scattering them across a field to the north|and east. The EF-1 tornado slightly strengthened as it crossed|the field, with an estimated maximum width of 75 yards as it tore|through another residence at the end of W H Brown Road. The tornado|reached its peak strength at this location and caused the|collapse of the exterior walls of a large farm building,|resulting in the structure falling in on itself. Next to the|collapsed structure, a small open-sided structure with a roof|slid on the ground an estimated 40 feet to the northeast from its|original spot. Another small farm structure next to the collapsed|building was completely destroyed as the tornado spun into the|field, but recent street view imagery revealed this structure was|once open on 3 sides, and appeared to be some sort of car port.|After spinning through the field, the tornado cut through a tree|line and crossed Town Branch creek. The tornado weakened to EF-|0 strength as it crossed a field and approached Concord Road. It|continued as an EF-0 as it crossed Morgantown Road near US Highway|68. Additional tree damage was observed just east of Morgantown|Road, but the tornado lifted shortly afterwards in a field between|the two major roadways.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marion

When
May 16, 9:55 PM EST
Where
Marion County, 0.55 mi W of Nurkes Spg
Measured
51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
37.650, -85.360

Thunderstorm Wind, Marion

When
May 16, 9:59 PM EST
Where
Marion County, Lebanon
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.570, -85.250

Multiple trees were blown down in the Lebanon area. One tree which fell went through the roof of a house.

Thunderstorm Wind, Logan

When
May 16, 9:00 PM CST
Where
Logan County, 1.3 mi WNW of Epleys
Measured
53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
36.940, -86.940

Wind gust measured at Mesonet station 1578W Logan Aluminum.

Thunderstorm Wind, Marion

When
May 16, 10:07 PM EST
Where
Marion County, Gravel Switch
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.580, -85.050

Multiple trees were blown down in the Gravel Switch area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette

When
May 16, 10:10 PM EST
Where
Fayette County, 0.88 mi NW of (Lex)blu Grs Fld Lex
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
38.040, -84.610

Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette

When
May 16, 10:10 PM EST
Where
Fayette County, 1.49 mi NNE of Lexington
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
38.070, -84.490

A tree was uprooted, pulling up a section of asphalt in a parking lot. The tree fell onto a van.

Thunderstorm Wind, Warren

When
May 16, 9:13 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 0.69 mi SW of Rich Pond
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
36.893, -86.509

Four trees were uprooted on London Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Warren

When
May 16, 9:15 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 1.3 mi ESE of Greenwood
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.920, -86.400

Some tree tops were broken by strong winds and several power outages occurred.

Thunderstorm Wind, Warren

When
May 16, 9:15 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 1.49 mi SSW of Three Spgs
Measured
65 kt (75 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
36.900, -86.440

Thunderstorm Wind, Warren

When
May 16, 9:17 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 0.69 mi S of (Bwg)bowling Green A
Measured
51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
36.960, -86.420

Thunderstorm Wind, Simpson

When
May 16, 9:17 PM CST
Where
Simpson County, 0.55 mi W of Franklin
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
36.720, -86.580

A large tree limb was blown down behind a home in Franklin.

Thunderstorm Wind, Warren

When
May 16, 9:19 PM CST
Where
Warren County, 1.3 mi WNW of Woodburn
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
36.840, -86.540

A trained spotter near Woodburn estimated 65 mph wind gusts with thunderstorms.

Thunderstorm Wind, Mercer

When
May 16, 10:22 PM EST
Where
Mercer County, 1.16 mi N of Burgin
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.767, -84.770

A tree was blown down onto powerlines on the 400 block of Bailey Pike.

Thunderstorm Wind, Mercer

When
May 16, 10:25 PM EST
Where
Mercer County, 1.78 mi N of East Bushtown
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.755, -84.734

A tree was blown down on Normans Camp Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lincoln

When
May 16, 10:27 PM EST
Where
Lincoln County, 1.2 mi NE of Stanford
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
37.544, -84.657

A tree was blown down onto a house and went through the roof on Spring Valley Drive in Stanford.

Thunderstorm Wind, Barren

When
May 16, 9:30 PM CST
Where
Barren County, 1.38 mi N of Railton
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
37.000, -86.120

Thunderstorm Wind, Casey

When
May 16, 10:31 PM EST
Where
Casey County, 0.84 mi ESE of Liberty
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.316, -84.936

A tree was blown down onto powerlines on Conner Avenue.

Thunderstorm Wind, Garrard

When
May 16, 10:32 PM EST
Where
Garrard County, 0.1 mi ENE of Lancaster
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.621, -84.579

A tree was blown down across the 200 block of Lexington Road in Lancaster.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lincoln

When
May 16, 10:33 PM EST
Where
Lincoln County, 1.35 mi W of Preachersville
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.526, -84.554

A tree was blown down over the 4100 block of Preachersville Road, blocking two lanes.

Thunderstorm Wind, Garrard

When
May 16, 10:36 PM EST
Where
Garrard County, 1.09 mi W of Hackley
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
37.630, -84.490

A tree was blown down over the 100 block of Kelly Ridge Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lincoln

When
May 16, 10:42 PM EST
Where
Lincoln County, 2.18 mi ESE of Waynesburg
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
37.318, -84.643

A tree was blown down near the 700 block of Clear Fork Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Garrard

When
May 16, 10:43 PM EST
Where
Garrard County, 2.83 mi E of Hammack
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.563, -84.379

A tree was blown down onto power lines on the 2400 block of Wallacetown Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lincoln

When
May 16, 10:45 PM EST
Where
Lincoln County, 3.92 mi SW of Broughtentown
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.339, -84.599

A tree was blown down on Broughtontown Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Madison

When
May 16, 10:45 PM EST
Where
Madison County, 2.08 mi SW of Richmond
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.730, -84.328

A tree was blown down along Hampton Way in Richmond.

Thunderstorm Wind, Madison

When
May 16, 10:45 PM EST
Where
Madison County, 1.64 mi W of Whites
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by
AWOS
Coordinates
37.630, -84.330

Thunderstorm Wind, Cumberland

When
May 16, 10:05 PM CST
Where
Cumberland County, 0.69 mi S of Grider
Measured
51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
36.790, -85.420

A 59 mph wind gust was measured at the Cumberland County Kentucky mesonet station.

Thunderstorm Wind, Adair

When
May 16, 10:07 PM CST
Where
Adair County, 0.55 mi W of Columbia
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
State Official
Coordinates
37.100, -85.310

Multiple trees were blown down in Columbia.

Thunderstorm Wind, Casey

When
May 16, 11:16 PM EST
Where
Casey County, 1.2 mi WSW of Windsor
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
37.121, -84.939

Multiple trees were blown down across Goodin Road.

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.
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.

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

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Kentucky in 2025Every state in 2025This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Kentucky, 2025Warnings in Kentucky, May 2025

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: 1263323, 1263322, 1263324, 1263325, 1263326, 1263327, 1263329, 1263330, 1263332, 1263331, 1263333, 1263345, 1263335, 1263328, 1263334, 1263336, 1263337, 1263338, 1263339, 1263349, 1263350, 1263353, 1263356, 1263346, 1263375, 1263376, 1263378, 1263382, 1263359, 1263383, 1263377, 1263385, 1263428, 1263386, 1263429, 1263387, 1263388, 1263389, 1263390, 1263391, and more.