After an intense wind storm in early March, strong to damaging winds once again struck eastern Kentucky on April 1st. Another unseasonably intense low pressure system tracked from the Upper Midwest to across the Great Lakes, pulling a cold front across the area during the wee morning hours of April 1st. Storms along the front put down torrential downpours with pockets of strong gusty winds. This led to a few instances of poor drainage/small stream flooding as well as downed trees before sunrise. However, the more significant weather arrived mid to late morning as skies cleared and southwesterly winds increased sharply ahead of the storm system's secondary cold front. During the midday to mid afternoon hours, southwesterly wind gusts peaked between 30 and 50 mph in many of the valley locations, with gusts of 55 to 60 mph commonly being observed in the more open countryside and atop ridges. The strongest reported gust, 70 mph, was observed at a Kentucky Mesonet station atop Flatwoods (elevation 2,774 feet ASL) in Pike County.
The strong to damaging winds resulted in many trees being blown down onto power lines and snapped power poles. Power outages exceeded more than 50,000 customers across the Commonwealth. A vast majority of those outages were reported in eastern Kentucky and were most concentrated in the eastern Kentucky Coalfield. Kentucky Power, which covers much of southeast Kentucky took 3+ days to restore power in their service area. Repairs included replacing at least 79 power poles, 30 miles of power lines, 70 cross arms, and 44 transformers. The Big Sandy RECC also took at least two days to restore power to 3,171 of its approximately 12,500 customers. Aside from damage to power infrastructure, two individuals reportedly sustained injuries during the high wind event -- a branch struck a hiker near Natural Bridge and another tree fell on a fire truck in Letcher County. There were also numerous reports of downed trees and multiple instances of structural damage. The most notable building damage was reported in Floyd County where the Triple A Market in Martin lost its roof and an apartment building in Prestonsburg partially collapsed.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 02:52:00 to 01-APR-23 02:52:00 (EST-5)
Location: OAK HILL
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was blown down onto Slate Branch Road south of Somerset.

Thunderstorm Wind in WAYNE, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 02:55:00 to 01-APR-23 02:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: SLICKFORD
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 near the Duncan Branch community along Edwards Mountain Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in LESLIE, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 04:16:00 to 01-APR-23 04:16:00 (EST-5)
Location: FLOSIE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.30K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Large limbs were reported to have been blown down and onto a residence on Polls Creek Road in the Smilax vicinity.

Thunderstorm Wind in PERRY, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 04:26:00 to 01-APR-23 04:26:00 (EST-5)
Location: VICCO
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 onto the railroad tracks in Vicco.

Thunderstorm Wind in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 04:48:00 to 01-APR-23 04:48:00 (EST-5)
Location: WALES
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree was reported blown down in the Abner Mountain area along KY-122.

High Wind in PERRY, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 4.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

High winds brought multiple reports of trees down across the county. At 11:30 AM EDT dispatch reported reported a tree that was blown down near the intersection of KY-15 and Entertainment Drive. At 12:30 PM EDT, dispatch reported a tree blown down onto powerlines about 3 miles up Upper Second Creek, as well as a tree blown down onto powerlines in the Saul community. The powerlines downed in the Saul community ultimately led to a forest fire.

High Wind in BATH, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 5.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

High winds led to multiple reports of trees down across Bath County. At 11:30 AM EDT, dispatch reported a tree that was blown down in the vicinity of Preston. Then at 1:00 PM, a tree was reportedly blown down at Marshes Siding. Later at 4:40 PM, trees were reported blown down in the vicinity of Owinsgville, followed by a 4:45 PM report of a tree blown down in the Salt Lick Community.

High Wind in CLAY, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Strong winds impacted Clay County throughout the afternoon on April 1st. At 11:30 AM EDT, the emergency manager reported that winds blew a tree down onto Ellis Branch Road, near the Chestnutburg community.

High Wind in LESLIE, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:40:00 to 01-APR-23 11:40:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 2.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A couple reports of trees down were made in Leslie County. At 11:40 AM EDT, dispatch reported a tree blown down along US-421 about 10 miles south of Hyden. Then at 11:45 AM EDT, a tree was reported down along KY-80 East.

High Wind in JACKSON, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:45:00 to 01-APR-23 11:45:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 5.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

At 11:45 AM, dispatch noted that they had two separate occurances of powerlines blown down leading to fires in the Annville community. At 11:55 AM, two additional reports were made. The first was of a powerline blown down, leading to a fire in the Gray Hawk Community. The second was a powerline blown down leading to a fire in the Tyner Community.

High Wind in ROWAN, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 6.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Several reports of trees downed were made across Rowan County. At 11:45 AM EDT, a tree was reported to have been blown down along Old US-60 in the community of Farmers. At 11:50 AM, a tree was reported blown down onto KY-519 near Pelfry. Then between 1:00 and 1:30 PM, multiple trees and powerlines were reported to have been blown down in Morehead.

High Wind in MENIFEE, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 3.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Several reports of wind damage were made across Menifee County. At 11:45 AM EDT, dispatch reported a tree blown down in the Tabor community. At 11:55 AM, a tree was blown down just north of the Dennison Community. Then at 4:30 PM, a tree was reported down just WNW of the Pomeroyton community.

High Wind in KNOX, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 5.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Knox county received multiple reports of trees down in Barbourville and throughout the county, beginning around noon.

High Wind in WHITLEY, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 8.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Dispatch reported multiple trees and powerlines down in Williamsburg and throughout Whitley County, beginning around noon.

High Wind in POWELL, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.50K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Per Powell County Search and Rescue, a hiker was struck by a falling branch around noon on the Whittleton Branch Campground Hiking Trail, and fell unconcious while pinned beneath the branch. First responders were able to successfully get the hiker out for further treatment. Then at 1:50 PM EDT, public reported a large pine tree blown down onto and blocking Happy Top Road near Clay City.

High Wind in ROCKCASTLE, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 3.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Several reports of tree damage were made from the high winds that came through Rockcastle County. At 12:10 PM EDT, a tree was reported to have been blown down just south of Mount Vernon. Then at 12:40 PM, a tree was blown down at the KOA campground near Renfro Valley. At 2:00 PM, a tree was reported blown down near the Indian Lakes Park. In addition to the tree damage reports, a personal weather station measured a 58 mph gust at 2:09 PM in the Denny Subdivision near the community of Wabo.

High Wind in PULASKI, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 8.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Pulaski County received a couple reports of wind damage across the county. At 12:20 PM EDT, dispatch stated that trees and powerlines were down near the intersection of W. Oak Hill Road and KY-914. Then at 3:35 PM, trees were reported to have blown onto the roadway WNW of the community of Billows. Additional trees and powerlines were reported down in the vicinity during the afternoon as well.

High Wind in MORGAN, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 3.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Morgan County received multiple reports of wind damage across the county. At 12:30 PM EDT, dispatch reported a tree blown down onto KY-772 near the community of Twentysix. Then at 12:45 PM, another tree was blown down along KY-1161 just west of Lick Branch. Later at 4:40 PM, a tree was blown down onto Steele Branch Road.

High Wind in MONTGOMERY, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 2.00K
Reported by: Public

Only one report was made of wind damage in Montgomery County. At 12:50 PM EDT, two trees were reported to have been blown down at a residence just WNW of Jeffersonville.

High Wind in MARTIN, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 6.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

At 12:52 PM EDT, dispatch reported multiple trees down along Tomahawk Road NW of Inez. Then at 4:12 PM, another report came in of multiple trees down along North Wolf Creek.

High Wind in MCCREARY, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 4.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

McCreary County had multiple reports of wind damage, all within a fairly short amount of time. At 12:55 PM EDT, a tree was reported to have been blown down on KY-1363 near Yamacraw. At 1:00 PM, another tree was reported to have been blown down at Marshes Siding. Then 5 minutes later, at 1:10 PM, a tree was blown down onto KY-1470 near Strunk. At the same time (1:10 PM) another tree was reported to have blown down in the Hay Creek Community.

High Wind in WAYNE, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

At 1:10 PM EDT, a utility line was reported to have been blown down just WNW of Stuebenville.

High Wind in HARLAN, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

At 1:20 PM EDT, a public report was made of roofing material having been blown off a carport at a residence. Then at 4:00 PM, the county dispatch reported multiple utility lines blown down along Hwy-38 near Evarts.

High Wind in WOLFE, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Dispatch reported a couple instances of wind damage in the county. At 1:30 PM EDT, a powerline was blown down, and caused some grass to catch fire along Sandy Ridge Road just south of the High Falls Community. Then at 1:45 PM, a tree was reported to have been blown down in the Bethany Community.

High Wind in FLEMING, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 2.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

At 1:30 PM EDT, a tree was reported to have been blown down on Foxport Road in Pleasureville. Then at 3:00 PM EDT, another tree was reported down on Ewing Road around 12 highway miles from Flemingsburg.

High Wind in ELLIOTT, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 3.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Two reports of wind damage were made in Elliott County. The first was at 1:40 PM EDT, when a tree was reported to have been blown down along KY-1621. A powerline was also blown down in the vicinity, which led to a fire. Then shortly after at 1:45 PM, two reports were made. The first was of a tree that had been blown down near the intersection of Wallow Hole Road and KY-486, near the community of Culver. The second was a tree that had been blown down along KY-504 just ENE of Stark.

High Wind in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 3.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A dispatcher noted that trees and powerlines were blown down near Ferndale, off of 25-E, around 3:00 PM EDT.

High Wind in ESTILL, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

At 3:25 PM EDT, KY-1645 was closed due to downed powerlines, caused by the wind.

High Wind in LEE, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

At 4:05 PM EDT, dispatch reported a tree having been blown down onto a powerline, leading to a fire.

High Wind in LETCHER, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Public

At 2:55 PM EDT, a public weather station in the Jenkins community measured a wind gust of 58 mph. Only a few minutes later, around 3:00 PM, the Colson Volunteer Fire Department reported that a volunteer firefighter operating the CFD Engine #1 was injured when a tree fell off the side of the hill and struck the vehicle. The firefighter sustained a concussion and abraison to the head and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

High Wind in FLOYD, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 46.00K
Crop damage: 3.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Most of Floyd County's damage reports were confined to structural damage. At 12:45 PM EDT, roofing material was reported to have blown off a business in the city of Martin. Then at 3:00 PM, pictures on social media showed a building, including apartments on the top floor, missing the roof and back wall. No one was injured. Several other pictures came in throughout the day showing a traffic jam on KY-80 due to downed power lines, a large pine tree on the powerlines at Jenny Wiley, and another large pine tree on a powerline near Copperas Lick.

High Wind in JOHNSON, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 8.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

High winds resulted in reports of trees down across the county. At 11:25 AM EDT, public reported multiple trees blown down near Sitka Church along Route 201. Then at 12:12 PM EDT, multiple trees and powerlines were reported to have been downed near Pickle Fork at Route 40W. A picture from the Big Sandy RECC also showed a large pine tree having fallen onto powerlines near Elna.

High Wind in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 32.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

At 1:15 PM EDT, a tree was reported to have been blown down onto an occupied vehicle. No injuries were reported. Then at 4:38 PM, a public report was made of a roof that was blown onto the road on KY-292 near Whitepost. The Big Sandy RECC also shared a picture of powerlines down near the Greasy community.

High Wind in MAGOFFIN, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 11:00:00 to 01-APR-23 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 8.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Public

A large pine tree was blown down onto KY-1090 (near address 4347 Bear Branch/Stinson Road) around 4:30 PM EDT. The tree took out the powerlines and part of the power pole as well.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 02:46:00 to 01-APR-23 02:46:00 (EST-5)
Location: NANCY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 3.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was reported down along KY-761, with a couple additional trees blown down in the vicinity.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, KENTUCKY
From 01-APR-23 02:51:00 to 01-APR-23 02:51:00 (EST-5)
Location: OAK HILL
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A powerline was blown down near the intersection of Winding Ridge Road and Oak Hill Road.