During the morning hours on May 30th, an upper-level shortwave trough and an associated surface low pressure system moved across the Ohio and Tennessee valleys. The surface low center tracked across central Kentucky, roughly paralleling the Western Kentucky and Bluegrass Parkways.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS LMK wrote it up.
During the morning hours on May 30th, an upper-level shortwave trough and an associated surface low pressure system moved across the Ohio and Tennessee valleys. The surface low center tracked across central Kentucky, roughly paralleling the Western Kentucky and Bluegrass Parkways. As the low moved across the area, showers and thunderstorms developed as moisture increased from the south ahead of the center of the low. Within the warm sector of the disturbance, around 500 J/kg of mixed-layer CAPE was present, which was sufficient for modest convective development. Wind shear and helicity values were quite strong, and were enhanced by a warm front which extended to the northeast of the center of the surface low.
While most convection with this system was sub-severe, one cell became attached to the warm front, using the enhanced wind shear and helicity in the front's vicinity to develop strong rotation aloft. While initially this cell produced non-tornadic wind damage, it ultimately produced an EF2 tornado which tracked across Washington and Boyle County before lifting. A separate EF1 tornado was produced by the same cell a few minutes later over Mercer County near Burgin. Convection would then weaken as it continued eastward, with the system exiting the area later in the morning on the 30th.
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 30, 2:06 AM EST, 3 hours 11 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Louisville KY 306 AM EDT Fri May 30 2025 .KEY MESSAGES... * Widespread rain and scattered storms expected this morning. * A few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible early this morning, mainly across south central KY. Isolated damaging winds and a low-end tornado risk are the main severe weather hazards. * Heavy rainfall could lead to ponding and standing water on area roads/highways during the morning commute and also lead to localized minor flooding. * Dry and warmer early next week with highs in the 80s. && .SHORT TERM /THROUGH SATURDAY/... Issued at 306 AM EDT Fri May 30 2025 This Morning... A sharpening mid/upper level shortwave trough is rotating southeast over the Mid-MS and Lower OH valleys early this morning, and central KY is in the left exit region of intensifying mid and upper level jet streaks (60-70 kts at 500 mb). 1012 mb sfc low is analyzed over the Jackson Purchase as of this writing, with a warm front draped eastward in southern KY. A 30 kt SW LLJ has developed over western TN. The LLJ is forecast to increase to 35+ kts by 09Z as it noses northeast toward south-central KY. Gradual sfc cyclogenesis is expected with the low lifting ENE toward central KY. IR satellite imagery reveals deepening convection near the sfc low with the arrival of stronger synoptic ascent. A broad area of moderate to heavy showers, along with scattered thunderstorms, is expected to move east across southern IN and central KY between 4-11 AM EDT. Immediately ahead of the low, a modest warm sector should become established across southern KY. The latest hi-res guidance continues to point to the development of perhaps 500+ J/kg MLCAPE across southern KY after 4 AM EDT. Bottom line...the thermodynamics are still quite marginal with poor lapse rates. The northern 2/3 of the CWA will remain quite stable in the lower levels this morning and will see primarily a threat for locally heavy rainfall. Strengthening winds throughout the column will produce 40+ kts of deep-layer shear, plenty for organized convection. Some enhanced sfc vorticity can be expected near the sfc low and warm front. Forecast hodographs do lengthen considerably with some brief clockwise curvature in the lowest 1 km. Cannot rule out supercellular structure with any storm in south-central KY this morning, and the strongest storms will pose a risk for localized damaging winds, a brief tornado, and hail. This remains a lower-end/isolated risk for severe weather, and confidence is primarily limited by weak lapse rates. This Afternoon and Evening... The widespread precip shield clears the area from west to east during the mid to late morning hours, with winds veering NW and becoming breezy behind the cold front. The upper level trough rotates directly overhead, keeping a chance for scattered showers and storms in the forecast through the afternoon and early evening. NW flow CAA will steepen lapse rates, which could result in brief lightning and/or small hail with any stronger cell in the afternoon. The risk for organized severe weather is low during the afternoon/evening time frame. Highs will range from the mid/upper 60s in the Bluegrass to the lower 70s along and west of I-65. Tonight - Saturday... A deep upper level trough descends over the eastern CONUS for the weekend. Drier air will advect into the region from the northwest, resulting in drier overall conditions. However, a notable upper level jet and mid-level vorticity will stream south on the western side of the trough over the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley. Also, a reinforcing cold front will drop south through IL/IN/OH. A weakening area of showers will attempt to drop into the forecast area from the northwest Friday night, most likely in southeastern IN and the KY Bluegrass. Overnight temperatures will dip into the mid/upper 50s. The backdoor cold front drops south through central KY and southern IN on Saturday, and diurnal sfc heating should be sufficient for isolated to scattered showers along the boundary in the afternoon. Rainfall chances and amounts are low, and a large portion of the day will be dry. Expect highs in the mid/upper 70s in most areas. && .LONG TERM /SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY/... Issued at 306 AM EDT Fri May 30 2025 Saturday Night - Sunday Night... This period also continues to look mostly dry. Will hang on to a slight chance (20%) for rain into Sunday as the weak cold front attempts to push south of the area. Think any spotty light rain should be confined to south-central KY. Highs will reach the mid 70s to near 80. Lows Sunday morning will be pretty chilly north of the boundary, with readings in the mid 40s to lower 50s. Southern KY may only dip into the mid/upper 50s. Monday - Tuesday... Upper level ridging builds from the Plains to the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley Monday into Tuesday. Sfc high pressure in place on Monday will shift east to the Carolinas for Tuesday, allowing southerly low-level flow to develop on the backside of the high. Expect beautiful weather with warmer temps and plenty of sun. Highs will reach the upper 70s to lower 80s on Monday. Mid 80s look possible on Tuesday. Middle of Next Week... Ridging should then shift east of the area for the middle portion of the week. A wave of low pressure riding northeast from the Plains to the Midwest and Great Lakes will foster increased moisture transport downstream into our area. The approach and passage of a cold front will support focused shower and storm chances at times Wednesday into Thursday. Expect warmer, more humid conditions typical of early June ahead of fropa. && .AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z SATURDAY/... Issued at 140 AM EDT Fri May 30 2025 Widespread SHRA and SCT TSRA will accompany a deepening area of low pressure as it moves east across central KY between 08-15Z this morning. Expect ceilings to drop into at least low-end MVFR. Brief IFR ceilings/vsbys will also be possible, especially in storms/heavy showers. Coverage of showers will decrease this afternoon, and ceilings will gradually improve to VFR. However, SCT SHRA/TSRA will remain possible through 22-23Z this evening in a cooler, breezy NW flow pattern with steeper lapse rates. && .LMK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... KY...None. IN...None. && SHORT TERM...EBW LONG TERM...EBW AVIATION...EBW
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Louisville KY 324 AM EDT Fri May 30 2025 INZ076>079-083-084-089>092-KYZ023>043-045>049-053>057-061>067- 070>078-081-082-310730- Orange-Washington IN-Scott IN-Jefferson IN-Dubois-Crawford-Perry- Harrison IN-Floyd-Clark IN-Hancock-Breckinridge-Meade-Ohio-Grayson- 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-Butler-Edmonson-Hart-Green-Taylor-Casey- Lincoln-Logan-Warren-Simpson-Allen-Barren-Monroe-Metcalfe-Adair- Russell-Cumberland-Clinton- 324 AM EDT Fri May 30 2025 /224 AM CDT Fri May 30 2025/ This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern Indiana and central Kentucky. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Scattered thunderstorms are expected today. Isolated strong to severe storms are possible early this morning in south-central Kentucky. Isolated damaging winds and a brief tornado are the main severe weather hazards. Torrential rainfall could lead to localized minor flooding. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed today. GENERAL STORM MOTION OF THE DAY: Storms will move northeast at 30 to 40 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. EBW
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
337 AM CDT Fri May 30 2025
KYZ062-063-071-074-300900-
Hart KY-Warren KY-Edmonson KY-Barren KY-
337 AM CDT Fri May 30 2025
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN HART...NORTHEASTERN
WARREN...NORTH CENTRAL BARREN AND EASTERN EDMONSON COUNTIES THROUGH
400 AM CDT...
At 336 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Brownsville, moving northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and penny 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...
Brownsville, Smiths Grove, Oakland, Ollie, Chalybeate, Rhoda, Bee,
Nick, Cub Run, and Big Windy.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3715 8635 3732 8611 3734 8609 3735 8609
3734 8607 3736 8607 3719 8591 3703 8625
TIME...MOT...LOC 0836Z 234DEG 31KT 3712 8627
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
WebbSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
358 AM CDT Fri May 30 2025
KYZ061-062-070-071-300945-
Warren KY-Logan KY-Edmonson KY-Butler KY-
358 AM CDT Fri May 30 2025
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN LOGAN...BUTLER...
NORTHWESTERN WARREN AND WESTERN EDMONSON COUNTIES THROUGH 445 AM
CDT...
At 358 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from Morgantown to 8 miles southeast of Dunmor.
Movement was east at 35 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...
Bowling Green, Morgantown, Brownsville, Plum Springs, Anderson, Lee,
Woodbury, Roundhill, Mining City, and Dimple.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in Louisville.
&&
LAT...LON 3728 8674 3732 8641 3733 8619 3734 8618
3734 8616 3731 8614 3699 8641 3700 8697
TIME...MOT...LOC 0858Z 265DEG 32KT 3723 8670 3703 8688
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
WebbSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
516 AM EDT Fri May 30 2025
KYZ053-063-064-301000-
Hart KY-Larue KY-Green KY-
516 AM EDT Fri May 30 2025
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN GREEN...
SOUTHWESTERN LARUE AND HART COUNTIES THROUGH 600 AM EDT/500 AM
CDT/...
At 515 AM EDT/415 AM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking a strong
thunderstorm over Munfordville, moving northeast at 30 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...
Munfordville, Bonnieville, Wabash, Rowletts, Logsdon Valley, Lobb,
Vento, Linwood, Northtown, and Hammonville.
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.
To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in Louisville.
&&
LAT...LON 3717 8596 3728 8609 3754 8577 3738 8556
TIME...MOT...LOC 0915Z 228DEG 26KT 3727 8595
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
WebbThe Louisville radar (KLVX), 65 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 10:17 UTC.
3 thunderstorm wind, 3 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.
Wind damage was reported along Hazy Downs Road outside of Raywick.
An NWS damage survey team determined that an EF2 tornado with peak winds of 125 mph, maximum width of 450 yards, and track length of 5.55 miles initially touched down on the morning of Friday, May 30th in southeastern Washington County, Kentucky.
The tornado touched down on a ridgetop near the|intersection of Coyle Lane and Long Run Road, initially snapping|and twisting some hardwood trees, and throwing a chicken cage|almost a quarter mile to the northeast of the path. From there, the|tornado quickly intensified into solid EF-2 strength as a vortex|within the parent circulation produced a third of a mile long|swath of intense damage starting only about 100-200 yards from|the touchdown point. Here, a well built barn with living quarters|was completely swept off the concrete foundation and thrown into|the valley below. Sill plates were anchored to the concrete|foundation, so construction was good, however three large overhead|doors likely contributed to the demise of the structure as they|faced the direction of the tornado path directly. Eyewitness|accounts from inside the structure said the overhead doors caved|inward first, and then the whole building went. Several occupants|were thrown into the valley below among the debris, but|miraculously survived.
From there, the intense EF2 vortex traveled east-northeast across Long Run|Road and completely destroyed another structure/home just to the |east of the road. Here, debris from the complete destruction of |the home was thrown about 75 yards directly to the north of the |path into a ravine. Sadly, one occupant of the home was killed, |with at least two others injured. The foundation of this structure|was on cinder blocks, with quite a bit of open space beneath the |floor. Peak winds reached 125 mph for both of these structures, |with broader EF1 damage noted on either side of the path. Peak |width was right at a quarter of a mile, or roughly 450 yards here |before the tornado narrowed considerably and weakened.
EF1 strength winds continued along and just north of Long Run |Road as the tornado traveled ESE toward the Boyle County line.
An NWS damage survey team determined that an EF2 tornado with peak winds of 125 mph, maximum width of 450 yards, and track length of 5.55 miles initially touched down on the morning of Friday, May 30th in southeastern Washington County, Kentucky.
As the tornado crossed into Boyle County, some hardwoods were noted to be snapped north of Cocanougher Road,|and again in a grove of trees north of White Road. The final |damage point was noted along Battlefield Road about 1.25 miles NNW|of Perryville, were some hardwoods were uprooted and softwoods |were snapped. From here the tornado lifted.
A tree was blown down along Mackville Road near Oakland Lane.
A tree was blown down along Mackville Road on the west side of Harrodsburg.
The National Weather Service completed a storm survey and|determined that an EF1, 100 mph tornado occurred just north of|Burgin in Mercer County Friday morning, May 30th, 2025. Damage was first|observed along Handy Lane where several trees had been topped. The damage continued along Handy Lane where a|house had some outbuilding damage and a garage door was blown in.| Some healthy trees also had extensive very large branches|snapped. Maximum wind speeds along Handy Lane were estimated to|be at 100 mph, EF1 strength.
The tornado continued across Shakertown Road and damage |was observed along Ison Lane where trees were uprooted and a barn |roof was blown off. The tornado continued across farmland before |additional damage was observed to trees with large branches |snapped along Hogue Lane. Estimated maximum wind speeds along |this portion was EF1, 95 mph strength. No additional damage was |observed beyond Hogue Lane.
As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.
| Event | Date | Age | Sex | Where | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tornado, Washington | 2025-05-30 | 48 | Male | Outside/Open Areas | Direct |
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Kentucky in 2025Every state in 2025This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Kentucky, 2025Warnings in Kentucky, May 2025
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: 1267564, 1267579, 1267588, 1267582, 1267583, 1267586.