EF1 Tornado — Carroll, Kentucky

2012-03-02 · near Locust, Carroll, Kentucky

Event narrative

The tornado initially touched down in Trimble County at 1541 EST, causing extensive EF2 and some EF3 damage south of Milton, before weakening. While in Trimble County, the tornado traveled 3.26 miles and had a maximum width of 75 yards. Based on the damage survey conducted in Trimble County, the maximum estimated wind speed of the tornado at that time was 140 miles per hour. The tornado then entered Carroll County at 1544 EST. The EF1 damage in Carroll County began near the county line near the junction of East Prong Locust Road and Wrights Ridge Road. At this point the path width of the tornado had decreased to 150 yards. The path continued east northeast along Kings Ridge Road. The path then continued east northeast to Route 42 in the vicinity of Kemper Lane near the Harbor Pointe Estates community. The path briefly continued after that before diminishing. Damage in Carroll County was consistent with a high end EF0 to low end EF1 tornado. Several structures had minor to more significant roof damage, with some structures losing over 25 percent of the roof structure. Several barns were destroyed, as well as widespread hardwood tree damage. These trees were either snapped or uprooted. At least two mobile homes were destroyed. Based on this survey, the maximum estimated wind speed of this tornado while in Carroll County, was 95 miles per hour. Damage estimates in Carroll County are 1,277,000 dollars.

Wider weather episode

Thunderstorms developed during the afternoon in a high wind shear environment ahead of a strengthening low pressure system. Many of these storms became severe, with large hail, damaging thunderstorm winds, and tornadoes all being the main threats. Isolated flooding also became possible due to the intense rainfall.

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Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 369131. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.