The most widespread severe thunderstorm activity in many months broke out across eastern Kentucky on Tuesday, May 16th. A warm front lifted to near the Mountain Parkway during the morning hours, ushering in a muggy airmass for those locations to the south of the Parkway. Sun shining on this juicy air mass helped build up moderate amounts of instability south of the warm front as temperatures warmed into the upper 70s to mid 80s there. Meanwhile, persistent cloud cover and a weak northeasterly breeze north of the front kept temperatures cooler and conditions much more stable. A wave of low pressure rode along the stalled warm front during this afternoon, triggering supercell storms in the area between the warm front and the Hal Rogers Parkway/KY-80 corridor. These storms dropped severe to significant-sized hail. One of the supercells also produced a brief tornado in Magoffin County southwest of Salyersville. Further south, weaker shear led to less organized storm structures, but even there the storms still generated strong outflows leading to bowing storm lines and damaging wind gusts.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:28:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:28:00 (EST-5)
Location: WEST SOMERSET
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported power line blown down on Bourne Avenue close to the intersection of Murphy Avenue.

Hail in ESTILL, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:05:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: PALMER
Magnitude: 0.75 
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported penny-sized (0.75 inch) hail near The Forks.

Hail in POWELL, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:12:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:12:00 (EST-5)
Location: VAUGHNS MILL
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Public

Picture on social media showed hail up to golf ball-sized (1.75 inch) near Vaughns Mill.

Hail in PERRY, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:20:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: BULAN
Magnitude: 1.25 
Reported by: Public

Picture on social media showed approximately half dollar-sized (1.25 inch) hail a the Hazard Animal Shelter.

Hail in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:01:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:01:00 (EST-5)
Location: RACCOON
Magnitude: 2.50 
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Video hail report provided to Pike County emergency manager show hail at least tennis ball-size (2.50 inch).

Tornado in MAGOFFIN, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 15:46:00 to 16-MAY-23 15:48:00 (EST-5)
Location: FORAKER
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 19.80K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An NWS Survey Team, in conjunction with Magoffin County Emergency Management, confirmed that an EF-1 Tornado touched down on a hillside southwest of Board Tree Rd, crossed the road and then traveled through the holler/drainage along Williams Arnett Cemetery Rd. It then climbed up the adjacent ridgeline before weakening and dissipating. Several structures sustained minor damage, and  many trees were snapped or uprooted.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROWAN, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:03:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:03:00 (EST-5)
Location: CRANSTON
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Crop damage: 5.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County highway department reported 5 trees blown down between MM 5 and MM 6.

Hail in KNOTT, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 15:35:00 to 16-MAY-23 15:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: AMBURGEY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Department of Highways

County highway department reported approximately quarter-sized (1 inch) hail near Amburgey.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROCKCASTLE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:10:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRODHEAD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.50K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported tree blown down on a vehicle in the 100 block of Profitt Street.

Thunderstorm Wind in BATH, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 13:10:00 to 16-MAY-23 13:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: SHARPSBURG
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Crop damage: 5.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County highway department reported numerous trees blown down along KY-11 between Sharpsburg and Bethel.

Hail in KNOTT, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 15:25:00 to 16-MAY-23 15:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: RITCHIE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Public

Picture on social media showed approximately golf ball-sized (1.75 inch) hail south of Fisty.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROCKCASTLE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:10:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRODHEAD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported tree blown down in Broadhead along KY-1505.

Hail in POWELL, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:15:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: VAUGHNS MILL
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported nickel to quarter-sized (0.75 to 1.00 inch) hail covering the ground near Vaughns Mill.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROCKCASTLE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:19:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:19:00 (EST-5)
Location: RENFRO VLY
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Crop damage: 3.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported tree blown down along the 1400 block of Barnett Rd.

Hail in PERRY, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:52:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:52:00 (EST-5)
Location: BUCKHORN
Magnitude: 1.50 
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Army Corp. or Engineer employee relayed a picture of ping pong ball-sized (1.50 inch) hail that fell at Buckhorn Lake Dam.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:25:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: WEST SOMERSET
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Public

A member of the public reported a tree blown down along KY-80 near Somerset.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:25:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: NORWOOD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported tree blown down off of Nelson Valley Road near the intersection of Jeffries Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROCKCASTLE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:11:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:11:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRODHEAD
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported tree blown down along KY-1505 near the intersection of KY-1326.

Hail in LESLIE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 13:31:00 to 16-MAY-23 13:31:00 (EST-5)
Location: WOOTON
Magnitude: 0.75 
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported approximately penny-sized (0.75 inch) hail near Wooton.

Hail in ESTILL, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:03:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:03:00 (EST-5)
Location: IRON MOUND
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Public

Public reported approximately golf ball-sized (1.75 inch) hail just north of the intersection of Cressy and Hawkins Cemetery Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROCKCASTLE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:20:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: RENFRO VLY
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported tree blown down onto Redbird Road near Lake Linville Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROCKCASTLE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:21:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:21:00 (EST-5)
Location: RENFRO VLY
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported tree blown down onto a powerline off of KOA Campground Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind in LETCHER, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:29:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:29:00 (EST-5)
Location: PARTRIDGE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County highway department reported a tree down on KY-3403 in the vicinity of Partridge.

Thunderstorm Wind in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:45:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: CAMP LEWIS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

NWS employee reported a tree blown down by thunderstorm winds along KY-30 approximately 2 miles northeast of Guage.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:45:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: MT VICTORY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported tree blown down around the 2000 block of Old Whitney Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROCKCASTLE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:09:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:09:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRODHEAD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported tree blown down along KY-3245 about one half miles west of the US-150 intersection.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:24:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:24:00 (EST-5)
Location: NORWOOD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported tree blown down onto a power line off of KY-1247 near the intersection of Raleigh Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:18:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:18:00 (EST-5)
Location: MAJESTIC
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County highway department reported tree blown down in the Majestic community.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARLAN, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:00:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: LENARUE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported a tree blown down onto KY-3001 near the Harlan Country Club.

Thunderstorm Wind in LETCHER, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:00:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MC ROBERTS
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Crop damage: 5.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County highway department reported that several trees were blown down onto KY-3409 between Jenkins and McRoberts.

Thunderstorm Wind in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:04:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:04:00 (EST-5)
Location: SHELBY GAP
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 0.50K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey showed straight-line winds with damage consistent wind gusts around 58 mph. An medium-sized ash tree along the bank of a stream was blown over near the headwaters of Big Shelby Branch.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAUREL, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:56:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:56:00 (EST-5)
Location: EAST BERNSTADT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported tree blown down in East Bernstadt.

Thunderstorm Wind in WOLFE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:58:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:58:00 (EST-5)
Location: TRENT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 2.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County highway department reported a couple of trees blown down by thunderstorm winds onto KY-746 near MM 5.

Thunderstorm Wind in MAGOFFIN, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 15:40:00 to 16-MAY-23 15:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: SALYERSVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County highway department reported a tree blown down onto US-460 between MM 8 and 9.

Thunderstorm Wind in MAGOFFIN, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 15:46:00 to 16-MAY-23 15:46:00 (EST-5)
Location: FORAKER
Magnitude: 64.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS Storm Survey showed large limbs of a tree broken, and all facing toward the path of a tornado -- likely inflow winds into the storm on the outskirts of the tornado.

Hail in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:09:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:09:00 (EST-5)
Location: KIMPER
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Public

Social media report of approximately golf ball-sized hail (1.75 inch) was received from Lawsons Branch near Highway 194.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARLAN, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:01:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:01:00 (EST-5)
Location: POPEVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported a tree blown down onto KY-3001 near the intersection with Mountain Oaks Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARLAN, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:02:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:02:00 (EST-5)
Location: THREE PT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Harlan County dispatch reported a tree blown down onto KY-987 near Martins Fork Lake.

Thunderstorm Wind in LETCHER, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:15:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: PARTRIDGE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County highway department reported a tree blown down onto Old US-119 at Partridge.

Thunderstorm Wind in KNOX, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 15:03:00 to 16-MAY-23 15:03:00 (EST-5)
Location: GRAY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County highway department reported multiple trees blown down in Gray along KY-233.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAUREL, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 15:10:00 to 16-MAY-23 15:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: BUSH
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.50K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported trees and large limbs blown down onto Marydell Road near the Bush community.

Thunderstorm Wind in MAGOFFIN, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 15:47:00 to 16-MAY-23 15:47:00 (EST-5)
Location: FORAKER
Magnitude: 78.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS Storm Survey showed that high winds caused softwood trunks to snap. All trees were facing toward the patch of a tornado - likely due to inflow winds into the storm on the outskirts of the tornado.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARLAN, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:00:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BOBS CREEK
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Public

A member of the public reported a tree blown down onto KY-1556.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARLAN, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:09:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:09:00 (EST-5)
Location: CRANKS
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Crop damage: 3.75K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey showed straightline winds with damage consistent with approximately 65 to 70 mph wind gusts. There were a few felled trees (some partially uprooted) and other trees with large branches broken off. Winds followed the direction of the valley floor along KY-568. One resident stated that the winds lasted only a few minutes.

Hail in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:10:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: KIMPER
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Video provided to Pike County emergency manager showed golf ball-sized (1.75 inch) hail at Kimper.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARLAN, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 15:49:00 to 16-MAY-23 15:49:00 (EST-5)
Location: RHEA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported a tree blown down along KY-522 near the intersection of Russell Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:04:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:04:00 (EST-5)
Location: SHELBY GAP
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported a tree blown down onto KY-805 near the intersection of Big Shelby Creek Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in OWSLEY, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 15:01:00 to 16-MAY-23 15:01:00 (EST-5)
Location: RICETOWN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

State highway garage reported a tree blown down onto KY-1768 about a half mile from the its intersection with KY-28.

Thunderstorm Wind in LETCHER, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 15:56:00 to 16-MAY-23 15:56:00 (EST-5)
Location: HEMPHILL
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 0.25K
Reported by: Public

A member of the public reported large limbs blown down between Fleming-Neon and Jackhorn.

Thunderstorm Wind in KNOTT, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 15:34:00 to 16-MAY-23 15:34:00 (EST-5)
Location: BEARVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 3.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported multiple trees blown down onto KY-1087.

Thunderstorm Wind in FLOYD, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 15:23:00 to 16-MAY-23 15:23:00 (EST-5)
Location: LANGLEY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported a tree blown down onto KY-777 near the Kentucky Hydrocarbon Company Plant.

Thunderstorm Wind in LETCHER, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 15:54:00 to 16-MAY-23 15:54:00 (EST-5)
Location: HEMPHILL
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County highway department reported a tree blown down onto KY-1469 near the Pike/Letcher county line.

Thunderstorm Wind in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:13:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:13:00 (EST-5)
Location: MANCO
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 5.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Pike County emergency manager relayed reports from dispatch of trees blown down in southern Pike County near Ashcamp.

Thunderstorm Wind in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:15:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: FREEBURN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County highway department reported a tree blown down in the Freeburn community.

Thunderstorm Wind in LETCHER, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 15:58:00 to 16-MAY-23 15:58:00 (EST-5)
Location: MC ROBERTS
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County highway department reported a tree blown down in McRoberts.

Thunderstorm Wind in LETCHER, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:02:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:02:00 (EST-5)
Location: EAST JENKINS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County highway department reported a tree blown down onto KY-805 between 1 and 2 miles from the Pike County Line.

Thunderstorm Wind in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:03:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:03:00 (EST-5)
Location: ELIMER
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Crop damage: 2.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS Storm Survey showed straight line winds with damage consistent with 60 to 65 mph wind gusts. Two large trees, one pine and one deciduous softwood were blown down near the head of Lick Fork Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:49:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:49:00 (EST-5)
Location: GUAGE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 2.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

NWS employee reported 2 trees blown down by thunderstorm winds along KY-30 approximately 2 miles northeast of Guage.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAUREL, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 14:56:00 to 16-MAY-23 14:56:00 (EST-5)
Location: PITTSBURG
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported tree blown down on North Laurel Road just north of the London city limits.

Thunderstorm Wind in FLOYD, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 16:08:00 to 16-MAY-23 16:08:00 (EST-5)
Location: AUXIER
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

County dispatch reported a tree blown down by thunderstorm winds on KY-302 between one half and one mile before Dewey Dam.

Thunderstorm Wind in KNOX, KENTUCKY
From 16-MAY-23 15:34:00 to 16-MAY-23 15:34:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRYANTS STORE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

County highway department reported a tree blown down onto KY-1809.