Dunbar, KY Natural Disasters and Weather Extremes
Hot Rankings
The chance of earthquake damage in Dunbar is about the same as Kentucky average and is much lower than the national average. The risk of tornado damage in Dunbar is higher than Kentucky average and is higher than the national average.
Earthquake Index, #481
| Dunbar, KY | 0.06 |
| Kentucky | 0.24 |
| U.S. | 1.81 |
The earthquake index value is calculated based on historical earthquake events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the earthquake level in a region. A higher earthquake index value means a higher chance of an earthquake.
Volcano Index, #1
| Dunbar, KY | 0.0000 |
| Kentucky | 0.0000 |
| U.S. | 0.0023 |
The volcano index value is calculated based on the currently known volcanoes using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the possibility of a region being affected by a possible volcano eruption. A higher volcano index value means a higher chance of being affected.
Tornado Index, #472
| Dunbar, KY | 172.15 |
| Kentucky | 136.89 |
| U.S. | 136.45 |
The tornado index value is calculated based on historical tornado events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the tornado level in a region. A higher tornado index value means a higher chance of tornado events.
Other Weather Extremes Events
A total of 3,007 other weather extremes events within 50 miles of Dunbar, KY were recorded from 1950 to 2010. The following is a break down of these events:
| Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count |
| Avalanche: | 0 | Blizzard: | 0 | Cold: | 1 | Dense Fog: | 0 | Drought: | 0 |
| Dust Storm: | 0 | Flood: | 472 | Hail: | 748 | Heat: | 0 | Heavy Snow: | 7 |
| High Surf: | 0 | Hurricane: | 0 | Ice Storm: | 4 | Landslide: | 0 | Strong Wind: | 6 |
| Thunderstorm Winds: | 1,618 | Tropical Storm: | 0 | Wildfire: | 0 | Winter Storm: | 5 | Winter Weather: | 0 |
| Other: | 146 | ||||||||
Volcanos Nearby
No volcano is found in or near Dunbar, KY.
Historical Earthquake Events
No historical earthquake events that had recorded magnitudes of 3.5 or above found in or near Dunbar, KY.
No historical earthquake events found in or near Dunbar, KY.
Historical Tornado Events
A total of 78 historical tornado events that had recorded magnitude of 2 or above found in or near Dunbar, KY.
| Distance (miles) | Date | Magnitude | Start Lat/Log | End Lat/Log | Length | Width | Fatalities | Injuries | Property Damage | Crop Damage | Affected County |
| 0.2 | 1971-04-27 | 3 | 37°11'N / 86°54'W | 37°08'N / 86°37'W | 15.90 Miles | 150 Yards | 1 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Butler |
| 7.0 | 1971-04-27 | 3 | 37°17'N / 86°54'W | 37°11'N / 86°26'W | 26.60 Miles | 20 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Ohio |
| 9.5 | 1971-04-27 | 3 | 37°12'N / 86°57'W | 37°11'N / 86°54'W | 3.00 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Muhlenberg |
| 10.4 | 1972-04-21 | 3 | 37°17'N / 86°44'W | 37°19'N / 86°38'W | 5.70 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Butler |
| 12.2 | 1971-04-27 | 3 | 37°08'N / 86°37'W | 37°06'N / 86°28'W | 8.50 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Warren |
| 15.9 | 1991-03-22 | 2 | 36°56'N / 86°37'W | 37°07'N / 86°26'W | 12.00 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Warren |
| 17.3 | 1961-05-07 | 3 | 37°25'N / 87°00'W | 37°24'N / 86°37'W | 21.00 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Ohio |
| 17.4 | 1995-05-18 | 2 | 36°59'N / 86°32'W | 2.50 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 140K | 0 | Warren | |
| Brief Description: An F2 tornado was intermittently on the ground over a two and one-half mile length. Several homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. | |||||||||||
| 19.0 | 1955-03-15 | 2 | 37°15'N / 87°05'W | 0 | 9 | 250K | 0 | Muhlenberg | |||
| 20.3 | 1961-05-07 | 3 | 37°24'N / 86°37'W | 37°24'N / 86°28'W | 8.20 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Grayson |
| 20.7 | 1959-01-21 | 3 | 37°24'N / 86°37'W | 37°26'N / 86°30'W | 6.60 Miles | 33 Yards | 3 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Grayson |
| 20.7 | 2008-02-05 | 3 | 37°09'N / 87°13'W | 37°21'N / 87°01'W | 18.00 Miles | 375 Yards | 3 | 24 | 21.3M | 0K | Muhlenberg |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: Countywide, a total of 69 homes were destroyed and 203 were damaged. Of the 203 damaged homes, 56 sustained major damage. Most of the damage occurred in the communities of Greenville and Powderly, where 48 homes were destroyed and 32 sustained major damage (35 to 40 percent were mobile homes). The primary focus of attention was where the fatalities occurred at a mobile home park on U.S. Highway 62 near the Highway 189 bypass. In the Muhlenberg Industrial Park, a spec building was flattened and another building was heavily damaged. A half dozen businesses and churches were damaged, including a hotel and a car dealership. The Western Kentucky Parkway was closed near Central City due to trees blocking the road. A utility pole fell on a vehicle travelling on Kentucky 601. The tornado passed within a short distance southwest of a high school, where a basketball game was in progress at the time of the storm. A large portion of the gym roof was damaged, causing heavy water damage due to rainfall entering the building. The National Guard was activated to provide security for the area. The county was declared a federal major disaster area. The average path width was 325 yards. Peak winds were estimated near 160 mph. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A deepening low pressure system moved northeast from Arkansas along a warm front that extended across southeast Missouri and southern Illinois. Surface dew points were in the upper 50's to lower 60's along and southeast of the warm front. A strong upper level trough over the western Plains produced a strong southwest flow of 60 to 80 knots at 500 mb. Winds at 850 mb were south to southwest around 40 knots. | |||||||||||
| 21.6 | 1995-05-18 | 2 | 36°59'N / 86°26'W | 1.50 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 303K | 0 | Warren | |
| Brief Description: An F2 tornado was intermittently on the ground over a one and one-half mile length. Numerous homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed on the north side of Bowling Green. | |||||||||||
| 21.9 | 1966-08-13 | 2 | 37°28'N / 86°52'W | 1.50 Miles | 67 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Ohio | |
| 23.0 | 1991-03-22 | 2 | 36°44'N / 87°02'W | 36°56'N / 86°37'W | 20.00 Miles | 400 Yards | 1 | 12 | 2.5M | 0 | Logan |
| 23.5 | 1961-05-07 | 3 | 37°24'N / 87°06'W | 37°25'N / 87°00'W | 5.60 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Ohio |
| 24.3 | 1963-04-29 | 2 | 36°50'N / 86°55'W | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Logan | |||
| 24.9 | 1997-06-13 | 2 | 37°08'N / 87°16'W | 37°12'N / 87°09'W | 6.00 Miles | 120 Yards | 0 | 2 | 120K | 0 | Muhlenberg |
| Brief Description: The tornado tracked through wooded farmlands, so damage was relatively light. The most severe damage occurred to a mobile home and a log home located about 500 feet apart. The mobile home practically disintegrated. The entire structure was lifted from its site and deposited 50 to 100 feet away as a pile of debris. The log home was completely unroofed. Considerable damage occurred to the walls and interior of the log home. Two occupants of the log home who had taken shelter in a small room near the exterior of the house were injured. They sustained very minor cuts and bruises due to falling debris. Several other homes in the area received minor damage. Vehicles were thrown into each other. Numerous trees were down. The maximum winds in this tornado were close to F-3 intensity, probably near 150 MPH. | |||||||||||
| 25.8 | 2005-11-15 | 2 | 36°48'N / 86°39'W | 36°48'N / 86°38'W | 1.00 Mile | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 100K | 0 | Simpson |
| Brief Description: A supercell thunderstorm developed over northern Tennessee and moved into south central Kentucky during the early evening hours of November 15. It produced multiple, short-lived tornado touchdowns along its path, which stretched for nearly 25 miles across three counties. The second touchdown from this supercell was in Simpson County near Pilot Knob. The weak F2 tornado damaged trailers and downed many trees along a path of roughly a mile. | |||||||||||
| 26.5 | 1974-04-03 | 4 | 37°25'N / 86°34'W | 37°30'N / 86°20'W | 14.00 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 2 | 0K | 0 | Grayson |
| 26.9 | 1961-05-07 | 3 | 37°22'N / 87°13'W | 37°24'N / 87°06'W | 6.60 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Muhlenberg |
| 27.0 | 1989-04-03 | 2 | 37°22'N / 87°13'W | 37°22'N / 87°08'W | 3.50 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Muhlenberg |
| 28.2 | 1950-11-20 | 2 | 37°22'N / 87°12'W | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Muhlenberg | |||
| 28.7 | 2006-04-02 | 2 | 36°56'N / 87°17'W | 36°56'N / 87°06'W | 10.20 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 6 | 2.5M | 0 | Todd |
| Brief Description: The tornado continued into Todd County from Christian County, crossing the county line near Pilot Rock. The tornado passed less than a mile north of the communities of Allegre and Cedar Grove, then dissipated about 2.5 miles before entering Logan County. Although damage was extensive in Todd County, the tornado was at its strongest and widest in Christian County. In Todd County, the tornado produced mainly F1 damage, although the tornado intensified into the lower F2 range near Allegre. A mobile home was destroyed in Allegre, and buildings were destroyed on Highway 171 about two miles north of Allegre. There was extensive damage to a church in Cedar Grove. Half of its roof was blown off, and windows were blown out. A total of two homes in Todd County were destroyed, and 28 other houses were significantly damaged. Close to two dozen sheds and barns were damaged or destroyed, along with at least one grain bin. Numerous trees were uprooted. Some farm machinery and vehicles were damaged or destroyed, including tractors and combines. | |||||||||||
| 29.2 | 1995-05-18 | 2 | 36°59'N / 86°20'W | 36°59'N / 86°13'W | 5.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 80K | 0 | Warren |
| Brief Description: An F2 tornado was intermittently on the ground over a five mile length. Several homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. | |||||||||||
| 29.5 | 1968-05-26 | 2 | 37°04'N / 86°14'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Warren | |||
| 31.0 | 1989-05-22 | 2 | 36°43'N / 86°34'W | 36°47'N / 86°30'W | 5.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Simpson |
| 31.4 | 1961-05-07 | 3 | 37°22'N / 87°19'W | 37°22'N / 87°13'W | 5.40 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Muhlenberg |
| 32.1 | 1974-04-03 | 3 | 36°43'N / 86°32'W | 36°48'N / 86°24'W | 9.20 Miles | 33 Yards | 1 | 12 | 2.5M | 0 | Simpson |
| 32.3 | 2003-05-11 | 3 | 37°25'N / 87°16'W | 37°25'N / 87°14'W | 1.80 Miles | 80 Yards | 0 | 2 | 400K | 0 | Mclean |
| Brief Description: One home was destroyed, and one home was severely damaged. A mobile home disintegrated, with the frame found one quarter mile away. Several barns or sheds were destroyed. Two vehicles were rolled. Numerous trees were uprooted, and some were blown some distance. The damage path began about one quarter mile west of Highway 81 in the south end of Sacramento, then extended eastward. The two injuries were relatively minor. Peak winds were estimated near 170 MPH. | |||||||||||
| 32.9 | 1963-04-29 | 2 | 37°05'N / 86°10'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Edmonson | |||
| 33.0 | 1965-05-26 | 2 | 36°42'N / 86°36'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Simpson | |||
| 33.1 | 1974-04-03 | 3 | 36°48'N / 86°24'W | 36°57'N / 86°09'W | 17.20 Miles | 33 Yards | 2 | 45 | 2.5M | 0 | Warren |
| 33.3 | 1971-05-24 | 2 | 36°39'N / 86°38'W | 36°47'N / 86°25'W | 15.10 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Simpson |
| 34.0 | 1991-04-09 | 2 | 36°39'N / 87°01'W | 36°43'N / 86°47'W | 12.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Logan |
| 36.0 | 2000-05-23 | 3 | 37°32'N / 86°18'W | 37°29'N / 86°14'W | 6.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 16 | 50.0M | 0 | Grayson |
| Brief Description: A storm survey was done by NWS personnel on Wednesday May 24. The survey found severe damage to residential and industrial structures. Three vortices combined into a single tornado north of Leitchfield, then moved east to southeast at 40 to 45 mph. The path moved through the northeast and east sections of Leitchfield and beyond. (Path length and width are estimated). The structural damaged evidenced the presence of an F3 tornado, with maximum winds around 175 mph. Houses that were virtually destroyed, but still had parts of their structure remaining above the main floor, were the basis of the F3 evaluation. Severe damage to nearby factories also supported the F3 evaluation. | |||||||||||
| 37.1 | 1974-04-03 | 3 | 36°57'N / 86°09'W | 37°00'N / 86°06'W | 4.70 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Barren |
| 37.8 | 1991-03-22 | 2 | 36°39'N / 87°11'W | 36°44'N / 87°02'W | 7.00 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Todd |
| 38.0 | 2002-01-23 | 2 | 37°32'N / 87°16'W | 37°32'N / 87°16'W | 1.80 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 1.0M | 0 | Mclean |
| Brief Description: Top wind speeds in this F-2 tornado were estimated near 120 MPH. The damage path extended from the extreme northwest side of Calhoun to the extreme northeast side of town. A total of about 53 buildings were damaged or destroyed, of which 43 were homes and 10 were businesses. At least one home and one business was destroyed, 5 houses received major damage, and 4 businesses including a church and daycare center received major damage. The business that was destroyed was a TV antenna/satellite service on Kentucky Highway 81 at the northern city limit of Calhoun. Most of the remainder of the structures received minor damage. In addition to the damaged homes and businesses, barns, grain bins, and at least one shed were destroyed. At the city-owned cemetery, 300 to 350 tombstones were overturned, and 50 trees were uprooted. | |||||||||||
| 38.0 | 1970-11-19 | 2 | 37°42'N / 86°54'W | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Ohio | |||
| 38.5 | 1961-05-07 | 3 | 37°20'N / 87°31'W | 37°22'N / 87°19'W | 11.20 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 3 | 2.5M | 0 | Hopkins |
| 38.7 | 1955-03-04 | 2 | 36°37'N / 86°36'W | 36°37'N / 86°35'W | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Robertson | ||
| 38.8 | 1955-03-04 | 2 | 36°37'N / 86°35'W | 36°38'N / 86°31'W | 3.80 Miles | 1000 Yards | 0 | 4 | 0K | 0 | Sumner |
| 39.0 | 1989-05-19 | 2 | 37°40'N / 87°02'W | 37°43'N / 86°58'W | 3.30 Miles | 40 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Daviess |
| 39.2 | 1972-04-21 | 3 | 37°30'N / 86°11'W | 1.00 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 4 | 250K | 0 | Grayson | |
| 39.5 | 2005-11-15 | 4 | 37°15'N / 87°32'W | 37°25'N / 87°21'W | 15.00 Miles | 800 Yards | 0 | 40 | 31.0M | 0 | Hopkins |
| Brief Description: This violent tornado reached its peak intensity on the north side of Earlington, near the beginning of its track. Peak winds there were estimated near 220 MPH. Several houses in this area, on either side of U.S. Highway 41, were levelled. Large oak trees were reduced to nubs, and the ground was scoured to bare dirt. A steel beam was carried some distance and became wedged against trees and other debris. 24 people were treated for injuries at a local hospital, and three of the injuries were critical. About 151 homes and buildings were destroyed, 67 suffered major damage, and 303 received minor damage. Damage indications, as well as eyewitness accounts, indicate the occurrence of multiple vortices near Earlington. The tornado continued northeast and weakened, crossing the Pennyrile Parkway at mile marker 41. The tornado lifted less than a mile from the Mclean County border. The average path width was 525 yards. The tornado was close to a half mile wide in places. | |||||||||||
| 39.5 | 1989-05-19 | 2 | 37°40'N / 86°59'W | 37°46'N / 86°53'W | 8.00 Miles | 90 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Daviess |
| 39.7 | 2009-04-10 | 3 | 37°07'N / 87°29'W | 37°07'N / 87°28'W | 1.00 Mile | 75 Yards | 0 | 2 | 150K | 0K | Christian |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: This was the second and more intense of the tornadoes spawned by a supercell that tracked across Christian County. Near Mannington, a garage was destroyed, and a house was levelled. The main debris pile from the house was about 50 feet away. The 2,500 square-foot house was poorly anchored to the foundation. Two persons in the house were injured. One of the victims was thrown about 70 feet and suffered a broken pelvis. Footage of the tornado was taken by witnesses along the Pennyrile Parkway and shown on a local media outlet. Peak winds were estimated near 140 mph. The tornado tracked a short distance into Hopkins County before lifting. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A strong low pressure system tracked east to the Lower Ohio Valley, with a trailing cold front sweeping east across western Kentucky. Storms developed and increased along the advancing cold front as they moved into increasingly unstable air. Very strong low level wind shear was favorable for tornadoes. The storms became increasingly organized, with line segments and supercells moving at over 45 mph. | |||||||||||
| 39.9 | 1991-04-09 | 2 | 36°39'N / 87°10'W | 36°39'N / 87°01'W | 6.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Todd |
| 41.0 | 1989-03-29 | 2 | 37°30'N / 86°13'W | 37°34'N / 86°08'W | 7.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Grayson |
| 41.0 | 1984-05-06 | 2 | 36°36'N / 86°31'W | 1.00 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Sumner | |
| 41.4 | 2002-11-10 | 2 | 36°35'N / 86°35'W | 36°35'N / 86°32'W | 2.60 Miles | 900 Yards | 0 | 6 | 500K | 0 | Sumner |
| Brief Description: One person was hospitalized due to injuries from the tornado. The other 5 people were treated and released for their injuries. 7 homes were destroyed, 15 homes had major damage and 14 had minor damage. 5 mobile homes were destroyed, 3 with major damage and 2 with minor damage. One business was destroyed and 3 other businesses were damaged. Several goats and cattle were killed. The heaviest damage was at 404 Glen Have Rd. 2 mobile homes were destroyed and blown off their foundation. 18 outbuildings, 16 barns and 2 churches were damaged. A Chrysler Cirrus LX sedan was flipped and pushed 20 feet. A Ford Ranger truck flipped and rolled 90 feet. A 6 inch by 6 inch board was hurled through the roof of a modular home. Kirby Building Services located at 124 Kirby Road in the industrial park area, sustained 50 percent damage according to the Portland Fire Dept. 11 tornadoes were reported in Middle Tennessee in one of the worst tornadic outbreaks ever in November. 8 people...and possibly a ninth victim...were killed in Middle Tennessee alone. Damage estimate for the tornadoes in Tennessee was placed at $160 million. Primary losses were due to houses and cars. The toll on government owned infrastructure is about $6 million. The federal government is expected to reimburse the state and affected counties for 75% of the costs of responding to the disaster. The FEMA Public Assistance Program has obligated more than $3.6 million to assist local governments. These funds will be used to reimburse local governments for debris removal, the repair of public buildings and utilities, and overtime paid to police officers, firefighters and other emergency personnel. More than 900 families across the state applied for storm aid. This was the worst tornado disaster since the April3-4 outbreak in 1974. The United States Small Business Administration has approved more than 9.7 million dollars in disaster loans to assist disaster victims with repairing their property or replacing lost personal items. The 20 counties that are eligible for disaster assistance to individuals, households, and businesses were: Anderson, Bedford, Bledsoe, Carroll, Coffee, Crockett, Cumberland, Fentress, Gibson, Henderson, Madison, Marshall, Montgomery, Morgan, Roane, Rutherford, Scott, Sumner and Tipton and Van Buren. | |||||||||||
| 42.1 | 1984-05-06 | 2 | 36°35'N / 86°31'W | 2.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Sumner | |
| 42.2 | 1963-03-19 | 2 | 36°36'N / 86°38'W | 36°34'N / 86°23'W | 14.00 Miles | 1000 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Robertson |
| 42.2 | 2006-04-02 | 3 | 36°54'N / 87°38'W | 36°56'N / 87°17'W | 19.50 Miles | 700 Yards | 0 | 22 | 35.0M | 0 | Christian |
| Brief Description: The tornado formed from a long-track supercell that originated in southeast Missouri near Poplar Bluff. The tornado began less than two miles from the Trigg County line with an east-southeast movement, then curved slightly left before crossing Highway 91. The tornado moved east-northeast across central Christian County, passing less than four miles north of downtown Hopkinsville, before crossing into Todd County less than a mile north of Pilot Rock. Near the beginning of the damage path, a church was levelled. Across the county, 91 homes were destroyed, and another 171 homes sustained varying degrees of damage. Several people were pulled from the debris of their homes during a door-to-door search that lasted into the next morning. Of the 22 people directly injured by the tornado, 17 were checked in at the local hospital, and five were transferred to regional hospitals. Another ten or so people received injuries not directly inflicted by the tornado, such as driving into fallen trees. None of the injuries, which consisted mostly of cuts, bruises, and fractures, were considered life-threatening. Numerous garages, barns, and outbuildings were destroyed. Some vehicles were damaged or destroyed. Hundreds of trees were downed, snapped, or uprooted. Power was out to most of the city of Hopkinsville for about six hours as a result of downed steel towers that carry primary transmission lines. Peak winds were estimated near 185 MPH. The average path width was 500 yards. It should be noted that the initial tornado reformed or reorganized about 7 miles northeast of Hopkinsville, leaving a break in the tornado path less than a mile long. Downburst wind damage occurred both north and south of the area where the tornado reorganized, resulting in a two-mile wide swath of damage along Highway 107. The webcam at the local hospital captured the tornado as it passed north of downtown Hopkinsville. | |||||||||||
| 42.7 | 2010-05-02 | 2 | 37°03'N / 87°36'W | 37°07'N / 87°27'W | 10.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 300K | 0K | Christian |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The highest concentrations of damage were where the tornado crossed State Route 1348 west of Crofton and Route 407 north of Crofton. Three unoccupied mobile homes were severely damaged or destroyed on Route 1348 west of Crofton. On Route 407, two mobile homes suffered moderate to major damage and a garage was levelled. The roof was peeled off one of the mobile homes. This tornado was very near the site of an EF3 tornado in Mannington just over a year earlier. One of the victims whose home was destroyed in the previous year's tornado relocated to a new spot, only to have her new home receive minor damage in this tornado. Several barns along the damage path received minor to moderate damage. Hundreds of trees were uprooted or snapped, particularly on Route 407 and nearby U.S. Highway 41. The tornado damage path began along Highway 109 and ended just after crossing the Pennyrile Parkway. The EF-2 tornado damage was near the end of the damage path along Route 407 and U.S. Highway 41, where hundreds of trees were uprooted or snapped. The average path width was 275 yards. Peak winds were estimated near 120 mph. The supercell that spawned this tornado later produced a separate brief tornado in Hopkins County. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A surface cold front extended from the Chicago area southwestward across the eastern fringes of the St. Louis metro area to a weak low pressure center over southeast Missouri. The low ejected northeast across southern and eastern Illinois, with the trailing cold front moving east across the Lower Ohio Valley. A broken cluster of severe thunderstorms, with embedded supercells and small bow echoes, moved east-northeastward across western Kentucky. Increasing south-southwesterly low level winds brought plenty of moisture northward into the Lower Ohio Valley, aiding in sufficient destabilization for supercells. The two primary supercells of the night followed similar paths across southern parts of the Purchase area, the Lakes region, and the southern Pennyrile region. Heavy rainfall with the storms, in combination with saturated ground from the May 1 storms, produced localized flash flooding. | |||||||||||
| 43.7 | 1979-03-31 | 3 | 37°01'N / 86°05'W | 37°05'N / 85°52'W | 12.70 Miles | 100 Yards | 1 | 19 | 2.5M | 0 | Barren |
| 44.5 | 2008-02-05 | 2 | 36°57'N / 87°39'W | 37°04'N / 87°26'W | 14.00 Miles | 275 Yards | 0 | 2 | 4.4M | 0K | Christian |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: Twenty-seven homes were damaged and 17 were destroyed. A total of 19 garages, sheds, and barns were damaged or destroyed. Of the destroyed homes, at least five were mobile homes. The two injured persons transported themselves to local hospitals. The county was declared a federal major disaster area. Peak winds were estimated near 130 mph. The average path width was 225 yards. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A deepening low pressure system moved northeast from Arkansas along a warm front that extended across southeast Missouri and southern Illinois. Surface dew points were in the upper 50's to lower 60's along and southeast of the warm front. A strong upper level trough over the western Plains produced a strong southwest flow of 60 to 80 knots at 500 mb. Winds at 850 mb were south to southwest around 40 knots. | |||||||||||
| 44.7 | 1998-04-16 | 3 | 36°34'N / 87°08'W | 36°34'N / 87°01'W | 7.20 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 400K | 0 | Robertson |
| Brief Description: Part of a roof was blown off the Jo Byrns School in Adams. Many trees fell on homes. | |||||||||||
| 45.5 | 1970-04-27 | 4 | 36°31'N / 86°39'W | 36°33'N / 86°22'W | 15.80 Miles | 250 Yards | 1 | 10 | 2.5M | 0 | Sumner |
| 45.5 | 2000-01-03 | 3 | 37°43'N / 87°11'W | 37°46'N / 87°07'W | 7.00 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 18 | 64.0M | 0 | Daviess |
| Brief Description: The tornado first touched down near the community of Rome, just southwest of Owensboro, and entered the city near the southern boundary of Owensboro Airport. The tornado tracked northeast through the heart of Owensboro before dissipating on the east side of town. Peak winds were estimated at 180 MPH. Since the tornado path was mostly through densely populated residential and commercial areas, damage was in the tens of millions, but injuries were surprisingly few. Of the 18 injuries, one was critical, and the rest were relatively minor. The critically injured person was in a home near the beginning of the damage path. This person sustained broken vertebrae and numerous cuts and bruises. Owensboro landmarks heavily damaged by the tornado included Apollo High School, Kentucky Wesleyan College, and the Winn-Dixie Store. Damage to the 12 buildings at Kentucky Wesleyan College was estimated to be near 5 million dollars. Small to mid size automobiles were tossed about by the wind. Damage to utility lines was extensive, and repairs took about 10 days to complete. Final damage tallies showed about 1200 homes and businesses sustained damage. Of those 1200 structures, 101 were totally destroyed and 573 sustained major damage. Owensboro was declared a federal disaster area. An emergency shelter accomodated roughly 150 persons, including many from local nursing homes. Owensboro schools were closed for a week. | |||||||||||
| 45.6 | 2007-10-18 | 2 | 37°48'N / 87°00'W | 37°49'N / 86°51'W | 8.00 Miles | 180 Yards | 0 | 0 | 50K | 0K | Daviess |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: Numerous trees and a few structures were damaged. The tornado damage path continued into Hancock County. Peak winds were estimated near 130 mph where the EF-2 damage occurred between Spice Knob and Scythia. The average path width was 150 yards. EPISODE NARRATIVE: The second and more significant severe weather outbreak of the day occurred as a cold front swept east across the Mississippi Valley. Scattered thunderstorms developed along and ahead of the front late in the afternoon. The storms organized into supercells and short lines during the evening. Over a dozen tornadoes occurred in western Kentucky. | |||||||||||
| 46.1 | 2007-10-18 | 2 | 37°40'N / 87°22'W | 37°43'N / 87°10'W | 11.00 Miles | 360 Yards | 0 | 4 | 500K | 200K | Daviess |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The tornado crossed into Daviess County from Mclean County. Numerous structures were damaged or destroyed, mostly barns and outbuildings. Several residences were destroyed, and about two dozen others were damaged. Four persons were injured in the West Louisville area when their mobile home was destroyed. Their injuries were mostly minor, although a 4-year-old child was hospitalized in fair condition. The peak winds were estimated at 120 mph. The average path width was 300 yards. EPISODE NARRATIVE: The second and more significant severe weather outbreak of the day occurred as a cold front swept east across the Mississippi Valley. Scattered thunderstorms developed along and ahead of the front late in the afternoon. The storms organized into supercells and short lines during the evening. Over a dozen tornadoes occurred in western Kentucky. | |||||||||||
| 46.4 | 1952-12-09 | 3 | 37°41'N / 87°18'W | 37°52'N / 86°54'W | 25.20 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 3 | 0K | 0 | Daviess |
| 46.5 | 2007-10-18 | 2 | 37°08'N / 87°37'W | 37°08'N / 87°35'W | 2.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 1 | 150K | 0K | Hopkins |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: Numerous trees were snapped and uprooted as the tornado touched down. Three mobile homes were destroyed, including one with a bent frame. Debris from mobile homes was thrown several hundred yards. A resident of one of the mobile homes received a minor head injury when a tree fell into his residence. Another resident was briefly pinned under debris but was not injured. Rescue crews had difficulty reaching the scene due to trees across roads. Barns and one house were damaged. The damaged house suffered major roof damage, a destroyed porch, and siding damage. Numerous trees fell across roads and power lines. Peak winds were estimated near 120 mph. EPISODE NARRATIVE: The second and more significant severe weather outbreak of the day occurred as a cold front swept east across the Mississippi Valley. Scattered thunderstorms developed along and ahead of the front late in the afternoon. The storms organized into supercells and short lines during the evening. Over a dozen tornadoes occurred in western Kentucky. | |||||||||||
| 46.5 | 1998-04-16 | 2 | 36°34'N / 87°09'W | 36°34'N / 87°09'W | 1.10 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 10K | 0 | Montgomery |
| Brief Description: Many trees and power lines were blown down at Port Royal and Sandlerville Road. Homes were damaged. A TVA transmission line tower fell. This tornado moved into Robertson county. | |||||||||||
| 46.9 | 1956-02-27 | 3 | 36°28'N / 86°39'W | 36°33'N / 86°24'W | 15.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 4 | 25K | 0 | Sumner |
| 47.1 | 1989-05-05 | 2 | 37°42'N / 87°17'W | 1.00 Mile | 40 Yards | 0 | 1 | 250K | 0 | Daviess | |
| 47.1 | 2003-05-04 | 2 | 37°40'N / 87°20'W | 37°40'N / 87°20'W | 0.20 Mile | 25 Yards | 0 | 2 | 75K | 0 | Daviess |
| Brief Description: A mobile home was destroyed, injuring two persons. A boy received a broken arm, and a girl suffered a broken back. Several barns and garages were blown down, and a garage was pushed off its foundation. One permanent home received minor damage. | |||||||||||
| 47.2 | 1970-04-27 | 4 | 36°27'N / 87°04'W | 36°31'N / 86°39'W | 23.50 Miles | 250 Yards | 2 | 75 | 2.5M | 0 | Robertson |
| 47.4 | 2005-11-06 | 2 | 37°17'N / 85°55'W | 37°17'N / 85°54'W | 1.00 Mile | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.1M | 0 | Hart |
| Brief Description: A cold front set off a line of severe thunderstorms during the predawn hours of November 6. One of the thunderstorms spawned an F2 tornado that struck downtown Munfordville in Hart County. The tornado caused major damage to 44 homes and two businesses. Twenty-five homes were declared uninhabitable. Six businesses and 34 homes had minor damage. Munfordville Elementary School had part of the roof removed by the tornado. About 50 vehicles in a car dealership lot were totaled. | |||||||||||
| 47.6 | 2007-10-18 | 3 | 37°46'N / 87°10'W | 37°49'N / 87°03'W | 7.00 Miles | 360 Yards | 0 | 8 | 11.5M | 0K | Daviess |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: About a dozen homes were destroyed, and close to 150 others were damaged. An additional 20 public or commercial buildings were destroyed or condemned. Damage to commercial and public buildings, including churches and schools, was estimated near 10.5 million dollars. Residential structures sustained about 1 million dollars in damage. Two historic churches suffered severe damage. The steeple of one church collapsed into the sanctuary. About 125 people were in the church at the time of the collapse, including 25 where the steeple fell into the sanctuary. They all moved to the basement 5 or 10 minutes before the storm hit, sparing anyone from death or serious injury. On the west side of Owensboro, a man was trapped in his overturned mobile home. He received only minor injuries. A motel was heavily damaged, with nearly the entire roof blown off. Several guests at the motel were treated for injuries, mostly abrasions from falling debris. Almost every building at Brescia University was damaged, mostly to the roofs. Windows were blown out of the science building. Elsewhere, a delivery truck was overturned. Piles of debris from collapsed garages, warehouses, and roofs lined downtown streets during the cleanup. Tobacco warehouses downtown were destroyed or heavily damaged. The most serious damage was in a 12 to 15 square block area in and near downtown. Nearly all city streets were reopened and nearly all power was restored within a few days after the tornado. Peak winds were estimated at 155 mph where the EF-3 damage occurred in downtown Owensboro. The damage path began just northeast of the Owensboro-Daviess County Airport, then curved northeast through the riverfront area of downtown Owensboro. The average path width was 300 yards. EPISODE NARRATIVE: The second and more significant severe weather outbreak of the day occurred as a cold front swept east across the Mississippi Valley. Scattered thunderstorms developed along and ahead of the front late in the afternoon. The storms organized into supercells and short lines during the evening. Over a dozen tornadoes occurred in western Kentucky. | |||||||||||
| 47.8 | 1963-04-29 | 3 | 36°52'N / 87°40'W | 36°52'N / 87°25'W | 13.70 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Christian |
| 48.3 | 1984-05-07 | 2 | 36°28'N / 86°57'W | 36°29'N / 86°54'W | 3.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Robertson |
| 48.7 | 2007-10-18 | 2 | 37°37'N / 87°28'W | 37°39'N / 87°22'W | 7.00 Miles | 360 Yards | 0 | 0 | 400K | 0K | Mclean |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: Twelve to fifteen farm buildings were damaged. Six to eight barns were destroyed. One home received heavy damage. Three to four more houses received minor damage. A garage and several vehicles were destroyed. A pontoon boat loaded on a trailer was moved 15 to 20 feet. Numerous trees and power lines were down. The funnel was photographed by a resident of the Beech Grove area. Peak winds were estimated at 120 mph. The average path width was 300 yards. The tornado continued into Daviess County. EPISODE NARRATIVE: The second and more significant severe weather outbreak of the day occurred as a cold front swept east across the Mississippi Valley. Scattered thunderstorms developed along and ahead of the front late in the afternoon. The storms organized into supercells and short lines during the evening. Over a dozen tornadoes occurred in western Kentucky. | |||||||||||
| 48.7 | 2002-04-28 | 3 | 37°25'N / 87°42'W | 37°25'N / 87°28'W | 12.00 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 0 | 1.8M | 0 | Hopkins |
| Brief Description: The tornado crossed into Hopkins County just west-northwest of Nebo, and finally lifted after moving through Hanson. The tornado was rated at F-3 intensity in the Nebo area, where four chicken houses were blown off their foundations. About 45,000 chickens were left in the debris. Damage to one chicken facility was estimated between one and two million dollars. The tornado weakened as it progressed across the county. About 10 to 15 residences were significantly damaged. | |||||||||||
| 48.7 | 2002-04-28 | 2 | 37°51'N / 86°38'W | 37°52'N / 86°36'W | 2.10 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 12 | 800K | 0 | Perry |
| Brief Description: Five homes were destroyed. Five mobile homes were destroyed. Four other homes had damage. The roof was torn off a church. Numerous trees were uprooted and many outbuildings were destroyed. | |||||||||||
| 48.9 | 1974-04-03 | 5 | 37°44'N / 86°32'W | 37°54'N / 86°18'W | 17.10 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 13 | 2.5M | 0 | Breckinridge |
* The information on this page is based on the global volcano database, the U.S. earthquake database of 1638-1985, and the U.S. Tornado and Weather Extremes database of 1950-2010.