During the evening hours on the 29th of January, low pressure across the southern plains began to intensify and move towards the western Great Lakes. A squall line developed during the evening hours and strengthened after midnight as it moved into western Kentucky and southern Illinois. This line, fueled by unseasonably mild temperatures near 70 degrees, dewpoints around 60, and an intense low level jet of 80kt at 850mb, spawned one of the largest January tornadic outbreaks on record across the Lower Ohio Valley. This line entered west central Kentucky around 2 am January 30th, exiting the Bluegrass and Lake Cumberland Regions during the pre-dawn hours. Several circulations along the squall line produced tornadoes. In addition, strong synoptic southerly winds right ahead and along this line produced localized wind damage.

Tornado in MEADE, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 04:05:00 to 30-JAN-13 04:06:00 (EST-5)
Location: BUCK GROVE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A storm survey revealed that an EF-0 tornado with estimated 80 mph winds and a width of 200 yards struck Meade County around 5.7 miles southeast of Brandenburg. Initially, this tornado touched down in a grove of trees near the end of Kurtz Drive. It then damaged several homes on Kurtz Drive and near the intersection of Thornhill Drive and Gaines Road.  One owner of a home east of Gaines Road mentioned that water was evacuated from all 4 toilets as the tornado passed by. Local residents reported a loud roar.  Another home along Gaines Road has its front door pulled off.  Before lifting right off Tom Cain Road, the tornado damaged a small shed.

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 06:33:00 to 30-JAN-13 06:33:00 (EST-5)
Location: RUTHTON
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A barn roof was heavily damaged. Several trees were downed nearby.

Thunderstorm Wind in BARREN, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:46:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:46:00 (CST-6)
Location: PARK CITY
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A storm survey found several downed trees near Park City, in western Barren County. This damage was within a larger swath of damage caused by estimated 50 to 70 mph winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARDIN, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 04:12:00 to 30-JAN-13 04:12:00 (EST-5)
Location: (FTK)GODMAN AAF FT K
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The ASOS at Fort Knox measured a 58 mph wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in BARREN, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:56:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: CAVE CITY
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in TAYLOR, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 05:36:00 to 30-JAN-13 05:36:00 (EST-5)
Location: CAMPBELLSVILLE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Taylor County law enforcement reported several trees downed across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in FAYETTE, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 06:26:00 to 30-JAN-13 06:26:00 (EST-5)
Location: MONTROSE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Lexington law enforcement reported a utility pole down on Briar Hill Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in BARREN, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:45:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: ETOILE
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A COOP observer measured a 54 knot wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in BARREN, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:56:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: CAVE CITY
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The roof was ripped off the metal shop of an auto dealership on the south side of Cave City, and a barn was destroyed on the east side of town.

Thunderstorm Wind in JESSAMINE, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 06:21:00 to 30-JAN-13 06:21:00 (EST-5)
Location: UNION MILLS
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A National Weather Service storm survey found sporadic damage from straight line winds along Union Mills Road between Mackey Pike and State Highway 1981. Two large barns were destroyed. Several trees were downed. Tin from a barn roof was thrown into a roadway. Based on damage, wind speeds were estimated at 65 to 70 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in MEADE, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 02:35:00 to 30-JAN-13 02:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: BATTLETOWN
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter reported that a line of storms downed several trees in the Battletown area.

Thunderstorm Wind in OHIO, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 02:18:00 to 30-JAN-13 02:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: WYSOX
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Ohio County emergency management reported several trees downed near the small town of Wysox.

Thunderstorm Wind in ALLEN, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:37:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:37:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALLEN SPGS
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A storm survey found that many trees were downed in this location. This spot was a portion of a 16 mile long swath of intermittent tree damage caused by estimated 50 to 70 mph winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 04:26:00 to 30-JAN-13 04:26:00 (EST-5)
Location: (SDF)STANIFORD FLD L
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Louisville Metrosafe reported several trees downed along the 4500th block of 2nd Street.

Thunderstorm Wind in HART, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:55:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: VENTO
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

A National Weather Service employee reported trees down along Interstate 65 four miles south of Upton.

Thunderstorm Wind in JESSAMINE, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 06:19:00 to 30-JAN-13 06:19:00 (EST-5)
Location: NICHOLASVILLE
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The county emergency manager reported that a television tower at a the County Utility Building was blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in BARREN, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:56:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: GLASGOW
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported that a downed telephone pole blocked Highway 1297 just north of Highway 1297 in Glasgow.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLARK, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 06:40:00 to 30-JAN-13 06:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: WINCHESTER
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Clark County emergency manager reported a few trees downed in Winchester.

Thunderstorm Wind in ADAIR, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 04:43:00 to 30-JAN-13 04:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLUMBIA
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees were downed across Adair County.

Thunderstorm Wind in RUSSELL, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 04:57:00 to 30-JAN-13 04:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: MIDDLETOWN
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Quite a few trees were downed county wide, including some in Jamestown.

Thunderstorm Wind in BARREN, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:59:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROSEVILLE
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

An observer measured a 62 mph wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in OLDHAM, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 04:40:00 to 30-JAN-13 04:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: PEWEE VLY
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree fell across and downed a power line in Pewee Valley.

Thunderstorm Wind in BRECKINRIDGE, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 02:42:00 to 30-JAN-13 02:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: FALLS OF ROUGH
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Breckinridge emergency manager reported several trees down near the town of Falls of Rough.

Thunderstorm Wind in MERCER, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 06:00:00 to 30-JAN-13 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: HARRODSBURG ARPT
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A mobile home was substantially damaged when a portion of its roof was removed.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRAYSON, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 02:44:00 to 30-JAN-13 02:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: CANEYVILLE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported that a small detached garage blew onto a road.

Thunderstorm Wind in ALLEN, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:37:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:37:00 (CST-6)
Location: HALIFAX
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A barn along Ray Williams road two miles west of Settle was completely destroyed.

Tornado in MARION, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 05:44:00 to 30-JAN-13 05:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: PHILLIPSBURG
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A weak EF-0 tornado with estimated winds of 80 to 85 mph briefly touched down along Calvary Road around 7 miles southwest of Bradfordsville. Although this twister had a path length estimated of only a tenth of a mile, it did destroy a mobile home, injuring two occupants. It also slid a shed off of its foundation.

Thunderstorm Wind in ALLEN, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:38:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: SETTLE
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Three homes had roof damage near Settle.  Fifteen trees were also downed.

Thunderstorm Wind in ALLEN, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:40:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAK FOREST
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

An Allen County official reported that several barns had roof damage along Pitchford Ridge Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in ALLEN, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:40:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: ADOLPHUS
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Estimated 60 mph winds near Adolphus tore a portion of a barn's roof off.

Tornado in WARREN, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:38:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAKLAND
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 400.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An EF-2 tornado touched down just to the east of Interstate 65 around 3 miles southwest of Smith's Grove.  After damaging several outbuildings, it encountered a set of 4 grain silos just to the south of Glasgow Road. It destroyed all 4 silos and threw their remains several hundred yards to the east. The tornado stayed on the ground  for  3 miles, eventually crossing Interstate 65 just south of Smith's Grove. This tornado overturned a semi-trailer on the interstate. Before lifting up just to the east of Smith's Grove, it destroyed an older wooden barn and a large  well constructed dairy barn, ripping steel I-beams out of their concrete base, scattering its roof, and collapsing its southern and eastern cinder block walls.

Tornado in EDMONSON, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:42:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROCKY HILL
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 80.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A circulation embedded within a squall line that earlier produced an EF-2 tornado in Warren County spawned a second tornado that briefly touched down in Rocky Hill. It then lifted and touched down again around one mile to the northeast. Along its second track, which was around seven tenths of a mile, it snapped several trees within two  long rows of trees along fence lines. Near the end of its path, along Louisville Road, it tore half the roof off of a home and destroyed a nearby barn.

Thunderstorm Wind in ADAIR, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 04:49:00 to 30-JAN-13 04:49:00 (CST-6)
Location: SANO
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A barn was flattened.  Nearby, a home sustained gutter damage.

Thunderstorm Wind in BARREN, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:43:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: FINNEY
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

One hundred feet of metal roofing was ripped off a large boat shelter at a marina on Barren River Lake.  Roof and dock damage to the marina office was also sustained, along with uprooted trees in the vicinity.

Tornado in BARREN, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:49:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROCKY HILL
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A short-lived EF-1 tornado destroyed a well built barn and knocked down several trees along Finney Road, located a mile east of the small town of Rocky Hill.

Tornado in JEFFERSON, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 04:18:00 to 30-JAN-13 04:19:00 (EST-5)
Location: VALLEY VLG
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An EF-0 tornado that started in Harrison County, Indiana and crossed the Ohio River ended in the Pleasure Ridge Park area of southwest Louisville.  The total path length in Kentucky was 2.25 miles. Overall, the entire path length of this tornado, including the portion in Indiana, was 2.8 miles.  While in Kentucky, this twister did roof and siding damage to many homes in the Greenridge Estates subdivision in addition to uprooting several trees.

Thunderstorm Wind in HART, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:56:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: SEYMOUR
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several barns sustained wind damage ranging from peeled metal roof panels to complete collapse along and west of U.S. Highway 31E from the Barren County border to near Hardyville.

Thunderstorm Wind in BARREN, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 03:51:00 to 30-JAN-13 03:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAYWOOD
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Barren County emergency manager reported that a barn was blown over. Another nearby barn had roof damage. Nearby, several trees were downed along State Highway 25 southwest of Glasgow.

Thunderstorm Wind in METCALFE, KENTUCKY
From 30-JAN-13 04:17:00 to 30-JAN-13 04:17:00 (CST-6)
Location: EDMONTON
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several trees and power lines were downed in Edmonton. A small outbuilding was blown onto a street.