EF3 Tornado — Taylor, Kentucky

2021-12-11 · near Saloma, Taylor, Kentucky

Event narrative

This tornado formed approximately 1.7 miles west southwest of Saloma near Chaney Pike Road and tracked northeast for approximately 6.5 miles before crossing into southern Marion County. The tornado continued approximately 8 miles into Marion County before dissipating at 0336 EST. In Taylor County, The tornado first touched down near Chaney Pike Road and resulted in EF-1 damage to farm buildings and trees. The tornado continued off to the northeast and intensified as it moved toward Quisenberry Road. Several mobile homes were completely destroyed along Quisenberry Road, and this is where a fatality occurred. Aerial drone views showed extensive damage with path widths 200-300 yards wide. The tornado then impacted KY 527 (Saloma Road) where more structures had significant damage. At one particular residence, the entire second floor of the brick home was removed. Hundreds of trees near and just beyond the road had been snapped or uprooted. Damage in this area consisted of EF-1 to EF-2 ratings. The tornado continued to intensify to the northeast as it impacted Sanders Road. It was here where the worst damage (EF-3) was observed. Wide swaths of forest, over a quarter mile wide, were completely snapped or uprooted. Drone imagery showed some ground scarring in concentrated areas. Homes in the direct path of the tornado were severely damaged with no walls left standing. The tornado weakened some as it continued toward Marion County. Several homes had missing or severely damaged roofs near Old Lebanon Road. Trees were uprooted or snapped. Drone imagery continued to show damage paths nearly a quarter mile wide before the tornado entered Marion County.

Wider weather episode

Strong southern winds brought warm temperatures and plenty of moisture into an environment of strong wind shear ahead of an advancing cold front. This resulted in unusually warm temperatures for a December day and the ingredients to produce a historic tornado outbreak and flash flooding. This included multiple long track tornadoes. Central Kentucky saw 18 tornadoes that injured 96 and killed 18. An additional death occurred in a flash flood.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (37.4080, -85.4270)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 997247. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.