A line of strong to severe thunderstorms developed early this afternoon along and south of the Ohio River, moving into eastern Kentucky during the mid afternoon hours. Sporadic wind damage occurred across Estill County as well as Morgan and Bell Counties. Much more significant impacts developed during the evening hours as a training line of storms set up across eastern Bell, southern Leslie, and Harlan Counties. This led to widespread flash flooding, especially across Harlan County, while several other homes and roads were also impacted across Leslie and Bell Counties.

Thunderstorm Wind in ESTILL, KENTUCKY
From 21-JUN-16 14:30:00 to 21-JUN-16 14:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: CALLOWAY CROSSING
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Local Emergency Management officials reported multiple trees down, stretching from west of Irvine to near Pitts.

Thunderstorm Wind in MORGAN, KENTUCKY
From 21-JUN-16 14:29:00 to 21-JUN-16 14:29:00 (EST-5)
Location: MAYTOWN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Dispatch relayed a report of a tree down northwest of Maytown.

Thunderstorm Wind in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 21-JUN-16 15:41:00 to 21-JUN-16 15:41:00 (EST-5)
Location: WASIOTO
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported a tree blown down on Bird Branch Road east of Pineville.

Flash Flood in LESLIE, KENTUCKY
From 21-JUN-16 22:00:00 to 21-JUN-16 23:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: HELTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Local media relayed reports of significant flash flooding across southern sections of Leslie County near the Harlan and Bell County lines. Local residents sustained considerable property damage, including that to homes, fences, and yards. Small bridges along U.S. Highway 421 were washed away as creeks spilled over their banks. The Kentucky State Emergency Operations Center received requests for assistance and resources from county officials as written declarations were also composed.

Flash Flood in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 21-JUN-16 21:00:00 to 21-JUN-16 23:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BEVERLY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.10K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Department of Highways officials reported portions of Kentucky Highway 221 and Kentucky Highway 66 across eastern Bell County impassable due to flowing water and debris. A trained spotter southwest of Beverly reported that Red Bird Creek was flowing out of its banks. This was producing a few inches of flowing water across Highway 2011 near the intersection of Mud Lick Branch Road.

Flash Flood in HARLAN, KENTUCKY
From 21-JUN-16 21:30:00 to 21-JUN-16 23:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BLEDSOE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 5.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported several instances of significant flash flooding between Bledsoe and Baxter. Radar estimates and rain gauges indicated 3 to 6 inches of rain fell across Harlan County, with one cooperative observer 3 miles north of Harlan measuring 6.02 inches of rain. Considerable property damage was incurred, including that to between 75 to 100 homes as well as several fences and yards. Some homes in Bledsoe ended up with 3 to 4 feet of water inside of them. Roads and small bridges along U.S. Highway 421 were washed away as creeks spilled over their banks. Roads were further hampered by a rock/mud slide at U.S. Highway 119 and Sukey Ridge Rd outside of Baxter. The Kentucky State Emergency Operations Center received requests for assistance and resources from county officials as written declarations were also composed. American Red Cross teams were mobilized to Harlan County, providing food and water to residents.