Thunderstorm Wind — Metcalfe, Kentucky

2017-04-05 · near Savoyard, Metcalfe, Kentucky

Event narrative

Over 160 structures were damaged in a 2-3 mile wide swath extending 15 miles from near Hiseville in Barren County northeast across Metcalfe into Green County. Three EF-1 tornadoes, with maximum winds of 100-110 mph were embedded within this area. Outside of the tornadoes, maximum winds were estimated at 70-90 mph. In Metcalfe County, two of the three tornadoes touched down near the community of Center, which had been hit by a brief EF-1 tornado just eight days earlier. In addition to the dozens of structures damaged by the non-tornadic winds - including the complete destruction of several outbuildings - several headstones were blown over in a small cemetery a half mile north of Center.

Wider weather episode

A strong area of low pressure tracked across the Ohio Valley on April 5. With an unseasonably warm and humid air mass in place, several lines of strong to severe thunderstorms developed across the area. This resulted in large hail and damaging winds across central Kentucky. There were also 4 tornadoes reported in central Kentucky.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (37.1252, -85.7741)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 697211. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.