With high pressure over the region, an isolated line of convection developed along the leading edge of the area of rain. This line produced damaging winds in the Lake Cumberland area of Kentucky.
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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.
With high pressure over the region, an isolated line of convection developed along the leading edge of the area of rain. This line produced damaging winds in the Lake Cumberland area of Kentucky.
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 Apr 4, 6:06 PM CST, 22 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Louisville KY 806 PM EDT Sat Apr 4 2026 ...Updated Aviation Discussion... .KEY MESSAGES... * Gusty showers continue to push east through the area this afternoon. A few storms may be possible, but severe threat is diminishing. However, showers are producing gusty winds, and could see gusts up to 35-45 mph through the afternoon. Widespread rainfall amounts up to 1 inch expected due to these heavy downpours. * Chilly Easter morning and cool high temperatures in the mid 50s to low 60s on Sunday. Cold nights ahead through Tuesday night next week. && .SHORT TERM /THROUGH SUNDAY/... Issued at 315 PM EDT Sat Apr 4 2026 It is warm and breezy today, with some sunshine to our east, but increasing clouds filling in from the west as a line of showers spreads across the area. Considerable temperature ranges are noted on the KY Mesonet, with low 80s in the east due to more sunshine and daytime heating, but upper 60s to the west of I-65 where rain-cooled air and clouds have knocked down temps. This line of showers are now making their way into the I-65 corridor, and will continue to gradually push east through the rest of today. This line has been slowly losing intensity through the afternoon, likely due to a lack of substantial instability and meager mid-level lapse rates. The better instability has been to our east where less cloud cover has been, and the CAPE axis has sort of been outpacing the precip shield. The LLJ core has moved northeast and is now over parts of IN and OH, providing better forcing to our north and northeast. However, we are still seeing gusty winds with these showers, which are capable of pulling down some higher momentum winds, resulting in isolated wind gusts of 35-45mph possible. Regional radar mosaic showers more convection occurring in western TN, which will be worth watching over the next few hours as they eventually sneak into south-central KY. However, latest CAM soundings continue to show meager instability and mid-level lapse rates, though still plenty of unidirectional shear to pose a wind threat. Beside the low end severe threat, PWATs are observed reaching up to 1.5-1.6" across the OH/TN Valleys, which is at the top end of sounding climo, and will support heavy downpours through the afternoon. We are getting a strong moisture fetch into the area, so expect rainfall amounts up to 1 inch possible with these downpours. Fortunately, these showers should be progressive enough to limit flooding issues, but could see some ponding on roadways or minor flooding issues in our typical low-lying or flood-prone areas. Rain activity will continue through this evening, and should see it eventually shift east of I-65 around or slightly after 06z tonight, and eventually clear our entire area before 12z tomorrow morning. The cold front will slide through later this evening too, noted by a wind shift from SW flow to cooler NW direction. This FROPA will also usher in cooler temps, which will likely occur before midnight and most likely end any chances for breaking warm min records for another day. Temperatures will bottom out in the 40s for tomorrow morning. Plenty of sunshine is expected for Easter Sunday, though temps will be much cooler with highs only in the upper 50s and low 60s due to the CAA regime. && .LONG TERM /SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY/... Issued at 315 PM EDT Sat Apr 4 2026 ===== Sunday Night - Tuesday Night ===== The upper trough axis will be pushing east of the Ohio Valley by Sunday night, which will bring an extended period of notably cooler temperatures and drier weather for the upcoming week. Monday will feature plenty of sunshine and temps around normal in the 60s. Strong Canadian sfc high pressure will move across the Ohio Valley on Tuesday, which will lead to cooler temps only in the 50s. However, the main focus will be on frost/freeze potential for early next week, as we could see multiple mornings with temps cool enough for frost potential. Both Monday and Tuesday morning will have temps get down into the 30s, with areas of frost possible mainly across southern IN, north-central KY, and the Bluegrass areas. ===== Wednesday - Friday ===== Wednesday morning will also feature temps in the 30s, and looks to be another candidate for frost development across southern IN and the Bluegrass. However, the upper flow turns more zonal, and the sfc high shifts off to our east, which will open us up to warmer return flow. Temps are expected to climb into the upper 60s and low 70s on Wednesday. The rest of the week will gradually warm up, with highs in the 70s on Thursday, and closer to 80 on Friday. We'll maintain a dry forecast during this time, with the only hint of perhaps some light precip in the GFS ensemble, with the Euro and Canadian ensembles dry through the week. Our next decent shot for rain may not arrive until Saturday morning ahead of a cold front. && .AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z MONDAY/... Issued at 806 PM EDT Sat Apr 4 2026 A cold front is moving through the area this evening, with rain showers moving from west to east across the area over the next 3-6 hours. In heavier showers, TEMPO MVFR VIS is expected, though rain rates should generally be light enough for VFR VIS. Along the front, CIGs are expected to drop into the low MVFR/high IFR range, before gradually clearing conditions are expected early Sunday morning. As the front passes, winds are expected to shift from SW to W/NW, with 20-25 kt gusts possible along the front. Winds should begin to relax in the pre-dawn hours Sunday. Tomorrow, a stratocu field is expected to develop during the mid-to- late morning hours, with MVFR CIGs gradually lifting during the early-to-mid afternoon hours. W/NW winds should increase and become gusty, with sustained 10-15 kt winds and gusts of 20-25 kt expected during the day on Sunday. && .LMK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... KY...None. IN...None. && SHORT TERM...CJP LONG TERM...CJP AVIATION...CSG
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Louisville KY 422 PM EDT Sat Apr 4 2026 INZ076>079-083-084-089>092-KYZ023>043-045>049-053>057-061>067- 070>078-081-082-052030- 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- 422 PM EDT Sat Apr 4 2026 /322 PM CDT Sat Apr 4 2026/ This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern Indiana and central Kentucky. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Widespread gusty showers and a few storms continue this afternoon ahead of a cold front. Brief heavy downpours and gusty wind are the main hazard. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed. && More information, along with other weather, hydrological and climate information can be found, at weather.gov/louisville.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
433 PM CDT Sat Apr 4 2026
KYZ073-042200-
Allen KY-
433 PM CDT Sat Apr 4 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT ALLEN COUNTY THROUGH 500 PM
CDT...
At 432 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 10 miles west of Scottsville to 8 miles west of
Westmoreland. Movement was east at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Scottsville, Fleet, Rodemer, Oak Forest, Maynard, Clare, Walnut Hill,
Mount Zion, Petroleum, and Alonzo.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3665 8640 3674 8641 3685 8607 3683 8606
3681 8607 3681 8605 3679 8605 3678 8603
3677 8605 3676 8604 3676 8602 3672 8599
3663 8601
TIME...MOT...LOC 2132Z 249DEG 31KT 3676 8639 3666 8635 3652 8638
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
CSGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
459 PM CDT Sat Apr 4 2026
KYZ073>076-042230-
Monroe KY-Metcalfe KY-Allen KY-Barren KY-
459 PM CDT Sat Apr 4 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT WESTERN MONROE...EASTERN ALLEN...
SOUTHERN BARREN AND SOUTHWESTERN METCALFE COUNTIES THROUGH 530 PM
CDT...
At 459 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 6 miles northeast of Scottsville to 15 miles
northeast of Westmoreland to near Lafayette. Movement was northeast
at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Fountain Run, Eighty Eight, Oak Forest, Roseville, Gum Tree, Maynard,
Austin, Nobob, Mount Zion, and Lamb.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3664 8611 3673 8611 3684 8617 3698 8574
3688 8569 3669 8573 3663 8602
TIME...MOT...LOC 2159Z 243DEG 41KT 3682 8612 3674 8607 3659 8609
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
CSGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
517 PM CDT Sat Apr 4 2026
KYZ064-074-076-042245-
Metcalfe KY-Barren KY-Green KY-
517 PM CDT Sat Apr 4 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN GREEN...EASTERN
BARREN AND NORTHERN METCALFE COUNTIES THROUGH 545 PM CDT...
At 516 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 5
miles southeast of Glasgow, moving northeast at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Glasgow, Edmonton, Eighty Eight, Little Barren, Roseville, Coral
Hill, Node, Pritchardsville, Lecta, and Haywood.
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.
&&
LAT...LON 3693 8603 3718 8570 3718 8569 3719 8569
3704 8551 3702 8551 3680 8588
TIME...MOT...LOC 2216Z 229DEG 41KT 3692 8589
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
CSGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Louisville KY
729 PM EDT Sat Apr 4 2026
KYZ066-067-077-078-050000-
Russell KY-Lincoln KY-Casey KY-Adair KY-
729 PM EDT Sat Apr 4 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN LINCOLN...
RUSSELL...SOUTHEASTERN CASEY AND SOUTHEASTERN ADAIR COUNTIES THROUGH
800 PM EDT/700 PM CDT/...
At 729 PM EDT/629 PM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking a strong
thunderstorm near Jamestown, moving northeast at 55 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Jamestown, Russell Springs, Horntown, Eli, Lawhorn Hill, Jericho,
Windsor, Teddy, Webbs Cross Roads, and Royville.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3707 8527 3741 8478 3728 8466 3712 8490
3705 8491 3701 8486 3700 8484 3696 8492
3696 8495 3694 8495 3688 8509
TIME...MOT...LOC 2329Z 235DEG 49KT 3705 8503
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
NeudorffThe Louisville radar (KLVX), 130 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 00:26 UTC.
1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A section of roof was removed from a storage building along Land Fill Road. The section was blown about 40 feet before landing on two vehicles. Both vehicles were totaled as a result of the damage.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Kentucky in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in Kentucky, April 2026
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: 1337718.