An unseasonably strong storm system impacted the region January 10-11. Heavy rainfall, flooding, scattered damaging winds, tornadoes, and gusty non-thunderstorm winds impacted western Kentucky during this time. The bulk of the event occurred overnight and into the morning hours on the 11th. Rainfall totals ranged from 2 to 5 inches, which resulted in pockets of flash flooding across the region, as well as minor flooding of the Green River. Strong to severe convection over the Ozark Mountains moved east into an environment of very strong wind shear over southeast Missouri, with 850 mb winds near 60 knots. The convection maintained intensity after it crossed the Mississippi River during the early morning hours. Tremendous wind shear (winds of 50 knots down to 1500 feet above ground) and strong forcing associated with a potent 500 mb shortwave compensated for weak instability. Some of the strong winds aloft reached the surface in the form of gradient wind gusts from 40 to around 50 mph. A weak surface low formed along a cold front over southwest Arkansas, then deepened as it tracked northeast across the Missouri Bootheel and into the lower Ohio Valley on the morning of the 11th.

Tornado in CHRISTIAN, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 07:19:00 to 11-JAN-20 07:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: MACEDONIA
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 80.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado touched down in the Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park. Over half of its path was in the park. After leaving the park, the tornado crossed Highway 109. A few barns were damaged or blown down. A couple houses sustained loss of shingles. At least dozens of trees were uprooted or snapped. Peak winds were estimated near 95 mph.

Tornado in CALDWELL, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 07:12:00 to 11-JAN-20 07:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: FRIENDSHIP
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Hundreds of trees were snapped or uprooted. Where the tornado crossed State Route 91, one barn was destroyed and another was damaged. Elsewhere along the track, part of a barn roof was tossed across a road, and a house lost some siding. The tornado crossed into Christian County, where it intensified to EF-1.

Strong Wind in HOPKINS, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 00:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Strong Wind in MUHLENBERG, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 00:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Tornado in CHRISTIAN, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 07:16:00 to 11-JAN-20 07:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAWKINS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 80.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado crossed over from Caldwell County. Most of the Christian County portion of the path was in the Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, where hundreds of trees were snapped or uprooted. Peak winds were estimated near 95 mph.

Tornado in CALDWELL, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 07:05:00 to 11-JAN-20 07:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOPSON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado touched down on Highway 514 near Highway 139. Partial roof damage was reported to three homes. At least a half dozen barns or outbuildings were damaged or destroyed, mostly in the Caldwell County portion of the track. Four wooden high tension power poles were taken down. At least dozens of trees were snapped or uprooted. Peak winds were estimated near 100 mph. The tornado continued east into Christian County.

Strong Wind in CHRISTIAN, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 04:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 37.00 MG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWSS

Strong Wind in TODD, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 04:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 44.00 MG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Tornado in CHRISTIAN, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 07:14:00 to 11-JAN-20 07:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAWKINS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado entered Christian County from Caldwell County just south of Highway 91. At least a half dozen barns or outbuildings were damaged or destroyed, mostly in the Caldwell County portion of the track. At least dozens of trees were snapped or uprooted. The tornado path ended at the southern boundary of the Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park. Peak winds were estimated near 100 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHRISTIAN, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 07:16:00 to 11-JAN-20 07:26:00 (CST-6)
Location: MACEDONIA
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A swath of damaging thunderstorm winds occurred across extreme northern Christian County. Most of the damage was in the form of snapped and uprooted trees. The area of damaging winds was mostly in the Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, in close proximity to two separate tornadoes. The damage extended eastward across Highway 109 for a few more miles. Peak winds were estimated near 80 mph.

Flood in CARLISLE, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 12:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ARLINGTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Roads that are typically flooded after heavy rainfall were closed. This includes portions of U.S. Highway 62 in the creek bottoms east of Bardwell.

Flood in GRAVES, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 12:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: FANCY FARM
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Roads that are typically flooded after heavy rainfall were closed. This includes portions of Highway 1820 near the Carlisle County line.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHRISTIAN, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 07:37:00 to 11-JAN-20 07:37:00 (CST-6)
Location: (HOP)FT CAMPBELL AAF
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The automated weather observing station at Fort Campbell measured a wind gust to 64 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in CALLOWAY, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 06:50:00 to 11-JAN-20 06:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW CONCORD
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several trees were blown down along Highways 280, 444, and 893 in the New Concord area.

Flood in HICKMAN, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 12:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEELERTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Roads that are typically flooded after heavy rainfall were closed.

Flood in FULTON, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 12:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ANNA LYNNE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Roads that are typically flooded after heavy rainfall were closed. This includes portions of  Highway 94 in Fulton County.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARSHALL, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 05:43:00 to 11-JAN-20 05:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: DRAFFENVILLE
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous trees were down throughout the county, including the Gilbertsville area.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARSHALL, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 05:50:00 to 11-JAN-20 05:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: TATUMSVILLE
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A carport was blown into a yard. A few shingles were blown off.

Flood in MUHLENBERG, KENTUCKY
From 12-JAN-20 08:00:00 to 16-JAN-20 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: PARADISE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Minor flooding occurred on the Green River. Low-lying woods and fields were underwater.

Flash Flood in MARSHALL, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 08:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BENTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous roads were flooded across the county.

Flash Flood in WEBSTER, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 09:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: DIXON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous roads throughout the county had water over them, including Highways 132 and 138.

Flash Flood in BALLARD, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 09:02:00 to 11-JAN-20 10:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: HINKLEVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Highway 358 was flooded between Kevil and La Center.

Flash Flood in CRITTENDEN, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 08:30:00 to 11-JAN-20 10:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: DYCUSBURG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Water was over Axel Creek Road.

Strong Wind in BALLARD, KENTUCKY
From 10-JAN-20 22:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Strong Wind in CARLISLE, KENTUCKY
From 10-JAN-20 22:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Strong Wind in HICKMAN, KENTUCKY
From 10-JAN-20 22:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Strong Wind in FULTON, KENTUCKY
From 10-JAN-20 22:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Thunderstorm Wind in CHRISTIAN, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 07:35:00 to 11-JAN-20 07:39:00 (CST-6)
Location: GAINSVILLE
Magnitude: 87.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A destructive downburst containing peak winds of 100 mph occurred on the north side of Hopkinsville, including parts of the downtown area. Approximately 125 homes had some damage. Most had roof, soffit, or siding damage. The roof of a high school was damaged. At least one home had a tree fall on it and severely damaged it. Hundreds of trees were uprooted or snapped. Significant damage occurred at Ruff Park, where ballfields sustained damage and at least one power pole was snapped. Adjacent to the downtown area, much of the roof was blown off an old elementary school on Second Street, and the Salvation Army office building was damaged. Near the end of the damage area, numerous trees were down along Highway 107 northeast of the city. The path of the most concentrated damage was about 1.6 miles long and 0.9 miles wide.

Strong Wind in GRAVES, KENTUCKY
From 10-JAN-20 22:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Strong Wind in MCCRACKEN, KENTUCKY
From 10-JAN-20 22:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 37.00 MG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Thunderstorm Wind in MUHLENBERG, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 08:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 08:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENVILLE
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees were down throughout the county, including along Highway 181 south of Greenville.

Strong Wind in CALLOWAY, KENTUCKY
From 10-JAN-20 22:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 36.00 MG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Strong Wind in MARSHALL, KENTUCKY
From 10-JAN-20 22:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Strong Wind in LIVINGSTON, KENTUCKY
From 10-JAN-20 22:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Strong Wind in CRITTENDEN, KENTUCKY
From 10-JAN-20 22:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Tornado in MARSHALL, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 05:42:00 to 11-JAN-20 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: BENTON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado touched down near the U.S. 641 exit of Interstate 69 and moved north northeast. This tornado passed just beyond the northwestern outskirts of Benton, sparing the city from significant damage. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted along the path. One barn had the roof blown off. There was other straight line wind damage in the immediate area. Peak winds in the tornado were estimated near 90 mph.

Tornado in GRAVES, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 05:17:00 to 11-JAN-20 05:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: STUBBLEFIELD
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 2.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado touched down at the intersection of Little Bethel Church Road and Woodson Road, traveled along and just north of Woodson Road, went across State Route 129 and ended just east of Stubblefield Road. The tornado traveled east-northeast at 60 mph for two consecutive miles. Much of the damage path width was 100 yards or less, but peaked at 235 yards wide just east of Route 129. The tornado hit a farm/out building and did damage to several trees along Woodson Road. It intensified at Route 129, and then hit a chicken farm with substantial damage to 3 of the 6 buildings. A 4th building was moderately damaged. Two buildings at each end had minor damage. Metal roofing was launched well up into trees at least 50 to 60 feet tall east of the farm buildings. Damage was estimated to be around 2 million dollars. Minor damage to a house and some trees was found at Stubblefield Road before the tornado ended. Peak winds in this tornado were estimated near 110 mph.

Strong Wind in CALDWELL, KENTUCKY
From 10-JAN-20 22:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Strong Wind in LYON, KENTUCKY
From 10-JAN-20 22:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Tornado in TRIGG, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 06:50:00 to 11-JAN-20 06:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: FENTON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 80.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado occurred in heavily wooded terrain on federally protected land. The tornado touched down in the Redd Hollow area (west of the Trace Highway) in the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. Damage continued east to just south of the Wranglers Campground. The tornado could have crossed into Lake Barkley and Donaldson Creek, but no evidence was found further east. The heaviest area of damage was south of Wranglers Campground, where many dozens of trees were snapped and uprooted. Just south of the track, a microburst occurred where many trees were snapped and uprooted. Peak winds in this tornado were estimated near 105 mph.

Strong Wind in TRIGG, KENTUCKY
From 10-JAN-20 22:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Strong Wind in DAVIESS, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 00:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 39.00 MG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWSS

Tornado in TRIGG, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 07:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 07:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: CANTON
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado touched down just east of Blue Spring and tracked eastward just north of Blue Spring Road. It continued east northeast to just southwest of Cadiz. Several trees up to 3.5 feet in diameter were snapped and/or uprooted. There were several homes with minor roof damage and one that had moderate roof damage. One metal building had its garage door blown in. A large branch fell on a vehicle at one residence. A carport was shifted off its supports. Peak winds in this tornado were estimated near 85 mph.

Strong Wind in HENDERSON, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 00:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 MG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Strong Wind in UNION, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 00:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Tornado in CHRISTIAN, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 07:34:00 to 11-JAN-20 07:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOWELL
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado touched down on the northern perimeter of the Fort Campbell military base and proceeded northeast across U.S. Highway 41. Trees were uprooted and snapped along the path. Several barns were damaged or destroyed, including one that had its roof thrown several hundred yards into trees. Power lines were downed, and 13 empty rail cars were tipped over along the path. A couple of homes received some minor damage. The tornado lifted just northwest of Pembroke. Peak winds were estimated near 100 mph.

Tornado in CHRISTIAN, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 07:40:00 to 11-JAN-20 07:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: CASKY
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado crossed U.S. Highway 41 about four miles southeast of Hopkinsville. Several trees were snapped along the path. One barn received some partial damage to its roof. Peak winds were estimated near 95 mph.

Strong Wind in MCLEAN, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 00:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Strong Wind in WEBSTER, KENTUCKY
From 11-JAN-20 00:00:00 to 11-JAN-20 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS