A strong low pressure system tracked through the Ohio Valley on April 3. Ahead of it, very warm and moist air surged into the region with highs around 80 degrees. As a cold front swept through, lines of strong to severe thunderstorms brought damaging wind gusts and two short-lived tornadoes to central Kentucky. There were several pockets of intense straight line wind damage.

Thunderstorm Wind in GREEN, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 19:01:00 to 03-APR-18 19:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: SUMMERSVILLE
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported a measured gust of 70 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARRISON, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 17:12:00 to 03-APR-18 17:12:00 (EST-5)
Location: RENAKER
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Harrison County emergency manager reported the roof off of a barn on Casey Mill Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in BRECKINRIDGE, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 17:25:00 to 03-APR-18 17:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: GARFIELD
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported a roof blown off a barn.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRAYSON, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 17:47:00 to 03-APR-18 17:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: LILAC
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Amateur radio operators reported that a barn was leveled and multiple trees were down in the 3500 block of Lilac Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRAYSON, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 17:53:00 to 03-APR-18 17:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: LILAC
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Downburst winds gusted to as high as 85 mph in a one-half mile by one-half mile swath of winds centered on Kentucky Highway 259 4.2 miles north of Leitchfield, KY. The winds destroyed a small barn, peeled metal roof panels from two other buildings, and overturned an RV. The winds also uprooted and snapped the trunks of several trees, and debris blowing into power lines helped snap four utility poles.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRAYSON, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 17:57:00 to 03-APR-18 17:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: LEITCHFIELD
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Trees were reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind in EDMONSON, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 18:00:00 to 03-APR-18 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BROWNSVILLE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Power and cable lines were reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind in LARUE, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 19:33:00 to 03-APR-18 19:33:00 (EST-5)
Location: HODGENVILLE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

NWS Employee reported trees down across Highway 210 in Hodgenville.

Thunderstorm Wind in LARUE, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 19:34:00 to 03-APR-18 19:34:00 (EST-5)
Location: WHITE CITY
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

NWS Employee reported structural damage east of Hodgenville with roofing and insulation material scattered across road.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARDIN, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 19:35:00 to 03-APR-18 19:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: GLENDALE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Amateur radio operators reported power lines down at the corner of Main Street and Glendale.

Thunderstorm Wind in NELSON, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 19:41:00 to 03-APR-18 19:41:00 (EST-5)
Location: HOWARDSTOWN
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

State officials reported trees down in the area.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARDIN, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 19:47:00 to 03-APR-18 19:47:00 (EST-5)
Location: SONORA
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Amateur radio operators reported power lines and structural damage in the area.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARDIN, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 19:19:00 to 03-APR-18 19:19:00 (EST-5)
Location: NOLIN
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A truck with a male driver was blown off the road of the 2300 block of Sonora Hardin Springs Road and into a barn. The driver was taken to Hardin Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARDIN, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 19:50:00 to 03-APR-18 19:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: EASTVIEW
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported structural damage at Highway 62 in Eastview.

Thunderstorm Wind in BOYLE, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 20:35:00 to 03-APR-18 20:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: WILSONVILLE
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The Boyle County KY Mesonet site recorded a gust of 59 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in LARUE, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 19:40:00 to 03-APR-18 19:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: BUFFALO
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The Larue County KY Mesonet site recorded a gust of 66 mph.

Hail in HARDIN, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 18:52:00 to 03-APR-18 18:52:00 (EST-5)
Location: VINE GROVE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

NWS employee reported 1 inch hail.

Hail in HARDIN, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 18:59:00 to 03-APR-18 18:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: VINE GROVE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in NELSON, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 19:39:00 to 03-APR-18 19:39:00 (EST-5)
Location: HOWARDSTOWN
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in HART, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 18:40:00 to 03-APR-18 18:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: BONNIEVILLE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in EDMONSON, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 18:00:00 to 03-APR-18 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEE SPG
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotters reported windows blown out of a house.

Thunderstorm Wind in EDMONSON, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 18:00:00 to 03-APR-18 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEE SPG
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

State officials reported power lines down and damage to buildings.

Thunderstorm Wind in EDMONSON, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 18:08:00 to 03-APR-18 18:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEE SPG
Magnitude: 78.00 EG
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A 1.5 mile wide swath of winds gusting to around 95 mph created tornado-like damage along Kentucky Highway 259 in Edmonson County. The winds, extending 3/4 of a mile north and south of Bee Spring, destroyed or heavily damaged several small outbuildings, tore part of the roof off of one home, uprooted and snapped the trunks of numerous trees, and snapped around a dozen power poles. Several other homes sustained roof damage, and wind-driven hail shredded vinyl siding on a number of buildings.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARDIN, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 19:20:00 to 03-APR-18 19:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: NOLIN
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Amateur radio operators reported that a 2 story building was leveled with debris scattered into the road.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARION, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 19:55:00 to 03-APR-18 19:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: LORETTO
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported power poles down in the area.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARION, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 20:08:00 to 03-APR-18 20:08:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRADFORDSVILLE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported 2 power poles down in Bradfordsville.

Thunderstorm Wind in CASEY, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 20:40:00 to 03-APR-18 20:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHILTON
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

State officials reported trees down on State Road 243.

Thunderstorm Wind in GARRARD, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 21:03:00 to 03-APR-18 21:03:00 (EST-5)
Location: HARMONS LICK
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Trees were reported down on Crab Orchard Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in LINCOLN, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 21:03:00 to 03-APR-18 21:03:00 (EST-5)
Location: KINGS MTN
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

State officials reported trees down on Kentucky Hwy 501.

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 21:25:00 to 03-APR-18 21:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: BYBEE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

State officials reported trees down on power lines on Drowning Creek Road.

Hail in TAYLOR, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 20:07:00 to 03-APR-18 20:07:00 (EST-5)
Location: BENGAL
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in GREEN, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 19:09:00 to 03-APR-18 19:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: SUMMERSVILLE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in TAYLOR, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 20:15:00 to 03-APR-18 20:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: HOBSON
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in SCOTT, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 20:20:00 to 03-APR-18 20:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: SADIEVILLE
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in BOYLE, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 20:38:00 to 03-APR-18 20:38:00 (EST-5)
Location: BAUGHAM HGTS
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Thunderstorm Wind in OHIO, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 17:10:00 to 03-APR-18 17:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: JINGO
Magnitude: 60.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The Ohio County KY Mesonet site recorded a 68 mph wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in BRECKINRIDGE, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 17:20:00 to 03-APR-18 17:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: HARDINSBURG ARPT
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The Breckinridge County KY Mesonet site recorded at 63 mph wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARDIN, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 19:23:00 to 03-APR-18 19:23:00 (EST-5)
Location: GLENDALE JCT
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Amateur radio operators reported that a workshop was leveled and farm machinery was damaged on Gilead Church Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in LARUE, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 19:29:00 to 03-APR-18 19:29:00 (EST-5)
Location: MATHERS MILL
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Two miles SW on Hodgenville on Old Sonora Road a large 36x30 foot well built metal barn sustained significant structural damage when the barn broke free from the foundation. Portions of the trusses and 6x6 poles were found 100 yards to the east. Several large pieces of metal roofing and siding were blown eastward up to 1/2 mile and several splintered sections of the roof were impaled in the ground nearby. There was sporadic wind damage eastward from this point and then a concentrated area of damage at Larue County Middle School. Wind gusts lifted a section of the cafeteria roof and threw it about 25 feet downwind to the east. About 100 yards further east from the school, a small storage shed was pushed into the dugout dislodging several concrete blocks. Winds around the school area were estimated to be around 65 mph. Northeast of Hodgenville in Ovsen Heights, a concentrated area of wind brought down several power poles and trees knocking down a few outbuildings and back deck areas. Winds were estimated to be 65 to 70 mph at this location.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRAYSON, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 18:30:00 to 03-APR-18 18:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: SKAGGSTOWN
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Amateur radio reported that a double wind trailer was blown across the road on Rock Creek Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in SIMPSON, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 20:25:00 to 03-APR-18 20:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: FRANKLIN
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Simpson County emergency manager reported  a few trees down in the area.

Thunderstorm Wind in BARREN, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 20:58:00 to 03-APR-18 20:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAYWOOD
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Barren County emergency manager reported that a large tree fell on a house resulting in significant structural damage.

Tornado in BOYLE, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 20:34:00 to 03-APR-18 20:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: WEST NEEDMORE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A small tornado touched down from a supercell thunderstorm on top of a tall hill along Highway 1822 and quickly destroyed one large barn used to store hay, severely damaging another medium sized barn, and destroyed fencing. The tornado did some damage to a grain silo along with some tree damage. An antique horse sled was picked up and moved about 10 feet.
The tornado briefly lifted in a valley before striking a residence on the east side of Highway 1822 and lifting the roof off a family residence. Insulation from the roof was thrown eastward and also rotated back and covered the back of the house.
Further east on Webster Rd, another one story family residence sustained significant roof, gutter, and siding damage. The owners hoop barn was pushed in violently. There were pine trees snapped.
The NWS would like to thank emergency management director Mike Wilder as well as Garrard County ARES director Jim Boyd for their assistance.

Tornado in GRAYSON, KENTUCKY
From 03-APR-18 17:52:00 to 03-APR-18 17:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: LILAC
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 300.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado touched down near several large metal outbuildings destroying two and heavily damaging two others. Insulation from the largest building was spattered on to south and east facing walls and vehicles on the east side of the complex. Metal roofing material was lofted into nearby trees and spread up to a quarter of a mile to the east. Beyond this initial touchdown area, only minor roof damage and tree damage - both uprooted trees and snapped trunks- occurred before the tornado lifted 1/2 mile to the east on Childress Road.