A very anomalous storm system produced winter weather across the Rockies, Upper Midwest, and Great Lakes region and severe weather across the mid-Mississippi and Ohio Valley regions. The combination of a warm and moist environment in place across the Ohio Valley region and a cold front that moved in from the west led to widespread thunderstorm development as the cold front pushed eastward through Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky. Additionally, a strong low level jet and low level wind shear contributed to strong thunderstorms developing that were favorable for tornadoes.
As the storms moved across western and central Kentucky during the overnight hours, they produced a tornado outbreak of historic proportions. However, as they reached eastern Kentucky during the early morning hours on the 11th, they began to lose strength, continuing to push away from the area of best instability, highest low level winds, and with temperatures continuing to cool. Several tornado warnings were issued as the rotating and once tornadic storms moved across the Jackson CWA border, along with multiple severe thunderstorm warnings. Thankfully, no tornadoes impacted eastern Kentucky, though there were numerous reports of strong thunderstorm wind gusts and trees down across portions of the area.

Flood in POWELL, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 07:30:00 to 11-DEC-21 09:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: STANTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Maple Street (Pompeii Road) is closed and flooded by water of an unknown depth.

High Wind in LETCHER, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 12:25:00 to 11-DEC-21 12:25:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.10K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree was blown down along US-119N.

Strong Wind in WAYNE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 13:08:00 to 11-DEC-21 13:08:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 38.00 MG
Reported by: AWOS

The AWOS near Monticello (KEKQ) measured a wind gusts of 44mph.

Strong Wind in ROWAN, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 13:10:00 to 11-DEC-21 13:10:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 35.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

The Rowan County Mesonet near Morehead measured a wind gust of 40 mph.

Strong Wind in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 02:35:00 to 11-DEC-21 02:35:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 40.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

A 46 mph wind gust was recorded at the Pike County Mesonet station on Dorton Mountain at an elevation of 2774 feet.

Thunderstorm Wind in WAYNE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 05:56:00 to 11-DEC-21 05:56:00 (EST-5)
Location: FRISBY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 3.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Trees were reported down along Highway 3284.

Thunderstorm Wind in WAYNE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:00:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: COOPER
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 3.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Trees were reported across powerlines in the vicinity of Bertram Hollow Road near the community of Cooper.

Thunderstorm Wind in WAYNE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:00:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: GAP CREEK
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was reported down on Hwy-1009.

Thunderstorm Wind in MENIFEE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 07:17:00 to 11-DEC-21 07:17:00 (EST-5)
Location: POMEROYTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was downed and is blocking KY-715 in the Red River Gorge.

Strong Wind in MORGAN, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 05:00:00 to 11-DEC-21 05:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 35.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

A 40 mph wind gusts was measured at the Morgan County Mesonet station near the community of Index.

Strong Wind in MORGAN, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 16:10:00 to 11-DEC-21 16:10:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 38.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

A 44 mph wind gust was measured at the Morgan County Mesonet station near the community of Index.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 07:17:00 to 11-DEC-21 07:17:00 (EST-5)
Location: MT OLIVE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was blown down blocking Hwy-52W in the 2000 block near the community of Mount Olive.

Thunderstorm Wind in WOLFE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 07:20:00 to 11-DEC-21 07:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: TORRENT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.75K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Large branches have been broken off and blocked the road in the 4000 block of KY-715 near the Red River Gorge.

Strong Wind in HARLAN, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 08:25:00 to 11-DEC-21 08:25:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Reported by: Mesonet

A 49 mph wind gust was measured at the Harlan County Mesonet on Black Mountain at an elevation of 4031 feet.

Flood in WHITLEY, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 07:57:00 to 11-DEC-21 10:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: WILLIAMSBURG ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Flooding was reported via MPing in low lying areas along creeks near the community of Clio.

Strong Wind in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 05:50:00 to 11-DEC-21 05:50:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 44.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

A 51 mph wind gust was recorded at the Pike County Mesonet station on Dorton Mountain at an elevation of 2774 feet.

High Wind in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 07:40:00 to 11-DEC-21 07:40:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

A 57 mph wind gust was measured at the Pike County Mesonet Station on Dorton Mountain at an elevation of 2774 feet.

Thunderstorm Wind in WAYNE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:00:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: TOURISTVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was reported down across Hwy-1619.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:00:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: NANCY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was downed and blocking Hwy-761 near the community of Nancy.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:05:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: RINGGOLD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was downed on power lines, both of which were laying across and blocking both lanes of Hwy-1674 just northeast of Somerset.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:07:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:07:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRONSTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Power lines are downed in the community of Burnside at the intersection of Cliffside and Cumberland Drives.

Thunderstorm Wind in WOLFE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 07:24:00 to 11-DEC-21 07:24:00 (EST-5)
Location: BOOTH
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 2.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Two trees were reported down across Sandy Ridge Road, blocking the road, near the community of Booth.

Thunderstorm Wind in WOLFE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 07:29:00 to 11-DEC-21 07:29:00 (EST-5)
Location: FLAT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.50K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

An 8-inch tree was reported down blocking Flat Mary Road near the community of Mary.

Thunderstorm Wind in MAGOFFIN, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 07:57:00 to 11-DEC-21 07:57:00 (EST-5)
Location: LICKSBURG
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 3.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Trees were reported to have been blown down in the Lick Creek (Lickburg) community.

Thunderstorm Wind in WHITLEY, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 08:31:00 to 11-DEC-21 08:31:00 (EST-5)
Location: BURK HOLLOW
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 3.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Trees were reported having fallen on power lines along Kensee Hollow Road.

High Wind in BATH, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 03:15:00 to 11-DEC-21 03:15:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.10K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree was reported down across KY-805.

Strong Wind in HARLAN, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 03:30:00 to 11-DEC-21 03:30:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 42.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

A 48 mph wind gust was recorded at the Harlan County Mesonet station on Black Mountain at an elevation of 4031 feet.

Thunderstorm Wind in POWELL, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 04:47:00 to 11-DEC-21 04:47:00 (EST-5)
Location: WESTBEND
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was down on a powerline along Brush Creek Road north of Clay City.

Thunderstorm Wind in WAYNE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:10:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: COOPER
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was reported down on Hwy-167 near the community of Cooper.

Thunderstorm Wind in MCCREARY, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:15:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: SLAVANS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was reported down along Hwy-92 West near the Wayne/McCreary county line.

Thunderstorm Wind in MENIFEE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 04:53:00 to 11-DEC-21 04:53:00 (EST-5)
Location: MEANS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Power line downed along Pottersville Road near the communities of Hope and Means.

Thunderstorm Wind in BATH, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 05:07:00 to 11-DEC-21 05:07:00 (EST-5)
Location: KENDALL SPGS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was blown down in the Kendall Springs community.

Thunderstorm Wind in MAGOFFIN, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:19:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:19:00 (EST-5)
Location: GYPSY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Public

A member of the public relayed a report from the 911 dispatch, in which they had received a complaint that a tree was down on South Puncheon Fork Road (Route 1766) near the 1 mile marker, blocking the roadway.

Thunderstorm Wind in MCCREARY, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:31:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:31:00 (EST-5)
Location: REVELO
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was reported down on Round Top Road west of Pine Knot.

High Wind in LETCHER, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 14:40:00 to 11-DEC-21 14:40:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree was blown down in along US-119N.

High Wind in ESTILL, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 13:10:00 to 11-DEC-21 13:10:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was reported having been blown down onto an electric line at 5290 Red Lick Road near the community of Jinks.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROWAN, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 05:20:00 to 11-DEC-21 05:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRADY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 3.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Trees were blown down along Heights Avenue in Morehead. Nearby, scaffolding was also blown down near 200 Flemingsburg Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in POWELL, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 05:25:00 to 11-DEC-21 05:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: XENA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was downed along the 7200 block of Hardwicks Creek Road south of Stanton.

Thunderstorm Wind in MCCREARY, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:32:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:32:00 (EST-5)
Location: STRUNK
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was reported down across Murphy Ridge Road near the community of Strunk.

Thunderstorm Wind in MCCREARY, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:35:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: GILREATH
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree is down and blocking Laurel Cemetery Road near the McCreary County Airport.

Strong Wind in BATH, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 02:30:00 to 11-DEC-21 02:30:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 36.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

A 42 mph gust was measured at the Bath County Mesonet station near the community of Preston.

Thunderstorm Wind in POWELL, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 05:33:00 to 11-DEC-21 05:33:00 (EST-5)
Location: VAUGHNS MILL
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 2.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree is on a 3-phase powerline along Spout Springs Road. The road is closed and repairs are ongoing.

Thunderstorm Wind in POWELL, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 05:35:00 to 11-DEC-21 05:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: CLAY CITY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was downed and over Paint Creek Road in the 2500 block north of Stanton.

Thunderstorm Wind in WHITLEY, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:44:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:44:00 (EST-5)
Location: RYE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 3.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Trees have fallen onto powerlines along Hightop Road just south of Laurel River Lake.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROCKCASTLE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:44:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:44:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRODHEAD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was blown down along Possum Kingdom Road in the Brodhead community.

Thunderstorm Wind in WAYNE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 05:49:00 to 11-DEC-21 05:49:00 (EST-5)
Location: STOP
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 3.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Trees were reported down along Muri Road near the community of Cabell.

Thunderstorm Wind in WAYNE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 05:55:00 to 11-DEC-21 05:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: HIDALGO
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was reported down along Hwy 200 near the community of Hidalgo.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAUREL, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:44:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:44:00 (EST-5)
Location: KEAVY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 2.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Two trees were blown down in the community of Keavy.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAUREL, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:44:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:44:00 (EST-5)
Location: EAST BERNSTADT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was reported to have been blown down in the East Bernstadt community.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:40:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: DABNEY
Magnitude: 49.00 MG
Property damage: 0.10K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The Pulaski County Mesonet station in the community of Dabney reported a 56 mph gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in WAYNE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 05:55:00 to 11-DEC-21 05:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: SLAT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Tree is reported across KY-858 in the 1000 block near the community of Bethesda.

Thunderstorm Wind in WAYNE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 05:56:00 to 11-DEC-21 05:56:00 (EST-5)
Location: FRISBY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A very large tree was reported down and across Adair Street in Monticello.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROCKCASTLE, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 06:48:00 to 11-DEC-21 06:48:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROCKFORD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 2.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Two trees were blown down on Scaffold Cane Road near the Madison County line.

Thunderstorm Wind in POWELL, KENTUCKY
From 11-DEC-21 07:05:00 to 11-DEC-21 07:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: XENA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree is down on a power line and blocking Furnace Junction Road.