Power Outage in Paducah, KY

A tree was down, with power lines and a broken pole.

An EF-2 tornado began at 11:08 AM CST just west of the intersection of Old Mayfield Road and McNeil Road. Traveling north-northeast, the tornado paralleled Old Mayfield Road, doing significant roof, siding, and fascia damage to numerous homes and a few businesses. A few homes had most of their roofing structures completely removed. Several outbuildings were completely destroyed. County emergency management officials assessed the damage and found four homes were destroyed and 68 homes were damaged. Numerous wooden power poles were snapped or tilted by tornadic winds. After crossing Hardmoney Road, the tornado did damage to homes, trees, and outbuildings along Michael Drive West before dissipating around 11:10 AM CST. Dozens of trees were uprooted or snapped, and dozens more suffered major tree limb damage. Additionally, strong straight-line inflow winds of 80 to 90 mph caused tree damage and minor structural damage along Michael Drive East. Peak winds were estimated near 125 mph.

An EF-2 tornado began at 11:08 AM CST just west of the intersection of Old Mayfield Road and McNeil Road. Traveling north-northeast, the tornado paralleled Old Mayfield Road, doing significant roof, siding, and fascia damage to numerous homes and a few businesses. A few homes had most of their roofing structures completely removed. Several outbuildings were completely destroyed. County emergency management officials assessed the damage and found four homes were destroyed and 68 homes were damaged. Numerous wooden power poles were snapped or tilted by tornadic winds. After crossing Hardmoney Road, the tornado did damage to homes, trees, and outbuildings along Michael Drive West before dissipating around 11:10 AM CST. Dozens of trees were uprooted or snapped, and dozens more suffered major tree limb damage. Additionally, strong straight-line inflow winds of 80 to 90 mph caused tree damage and minor structural damage along Michael Drive East. Peak winds were estimated near 125 mph.

A wind gust to 60 mph was measured at the automated observing station at Barkley Regional Airport. Nearly 1,000 utility customers were without power in the region.

Two trees were down, along with power lines.

A wind gust to 66 mph was measured by the automated observing system at Barkley Regional Airport. There were some power outages in the area.

About four miles west of Paducah, a wind gust to 62 mph was measured by a trained spotter. Downed trees and power lines blocked Kentucky Highway 305 between Interstate 24 and Highway 358 for several hours.

This multi-county tornado entered McCracken County from Ballard County near the community of Lovelaceville. The tornado tracked within a couple of miles either side of U.S. Highway 62 for most of its path in McCracken County. The tornado intermittently reached EF-2 intensity from the Ballard County line to about two miles southeast of Barkley Regional Airport. A total of 25 dwellings were damaged along the path in McCracken County. Five businesses were damaged, and 20 residences were damaged. The damage was categorized as minor for 14 of the residences, major for one, and five were destroyed. Major structural damage included partial loss of roofs or walls. Minor damage to homes included the loss of shingles. Dozens of barns, outbuildings, garages, or grain bins were destroyed. A church, located on U.S. Highway 62 near Highway 305, lost much of the roof structure as well as a large part of a second story exterior wall. This is where the tornado reached its maximum intensity, with estimated peak winds near 125 mph. A total of 40 pre-schoolers were inside a day care facility in the church, but none were directly injured. At least ten vehicles sustained damage in this area near the church. The only injury occurred on U.S. Highway 62 near the church, where a grain bin was blown on top of a pickup truck traveling eastbound. During the final few miles of its track, the tornado weakened as it moved through the western part of the city of Paducah. In the western part of Paducah, the tornado moved across U.S. Highway 60 and the city's main shopping mall. The tornado dissipated shortly after crossing Interstate 24 between exits 3 and 4. The roofs of the shopping mall and a nearby strip mall were damaged. Several businesses in the mall area and along Interstate 24 sustained minor damage, mostly to roofs. Windows were blown out of vehicles and buildings. A moving semi truck was lifted along Interstate 24 and was blown into the median in a jack-knife position. Along the entire track, dozens of utility poles were down, causing extensive power outages for nearly 10,000 customers. Hundreds of trees were snapped or uprooted. Video of the tornado was captured by personnel at the Paducah National Weather Service office, which the tornado missed by about two miles.

This multi-county tornado entered McCracken County from Ballard County near the community of Lovelaceville. The tornado tracked within a couple of miles either side of U.S. Highway 62 for most of its path in McCracken County. The tornado intermittently reached EF-2 intensity from the Ballard County line to about two miles southeast of Barkley Regional Airport. A total of 25 dwellings were damaged along the path in McCracken County. Five businesses were damaged, and 20 residences were damaged. The damage was categorized as minor for 14 of the residences, major for one, and five were destroyed. Major structural damage included partial loss of roofs or walls. Minor damage to homes included the loss of shingles. Dozens of barns, outbuildings, garages, or grain bins were destroyed. A church, located on U.S. Highway 62 near Highway 305, lost much of the roof structure as well as a large part of a second story exterior wall. This is where the tornado reached its maximum intensity, with estimated peak winds near 125 mph. A total of 40 pre-schoolers were inside a day care facility in the church, but none were directly injured. At least ten vehicles sustained damage in this area near the church. The only injury occurred on U.S. Highway 62 near the church, where a grain bin was blown on top of a pickup truck traveling eastbound. During the final few miles of its track, the tornado weakened as it moved through the western part of the city of Paducah. In the western part of Paducah, the tornado moved across U.S. Highway 60 and the city's main shopping mall. The tornado dissipated shortly after crossing Interstate 24 between exits 3 and 4. The roofs of the shopping mall and a nearby strip mall were damaged. Several businesses in the mall area and along Interstate 24 sustained minor damage, mostly to roofs. Windows were blown out of vehicles and buildings. A moving semi truck was lifted along Interstate 24 and was blown into the median in a jack-knife position. Along the entire track, dozens of utility poles were down, causing extensive power outages for nearly 10,000 customers. Hundreds of trees were snapped or uprooted. Video of the tornado was captured by personnel at the Paducah National Weather Service office, which the tornado missed by about two miles.

Power lines were blown down on Highway 1420 in the Ohio River flood plain. Power lines were also down on Highway 60 near downtown Paducah.

Power lines were blown down on Highway 1420 in the Ohio River flood plain. Power lines were also down on Highway 60 near downtown Paducah.

A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service determined that a microburst affected a small area off Interstate 24, just east of exit 3. The damage started four miles west-northwest of downtown Paducah, just east of Interstate 24 on Highway 305. Peak winds of up to 80 mph stripped metal siding or roofing from at least three businesses and one home. An hvac unit atop a large big-box retail store was dislodged. Metal fencing was blown off a business. Several trees or tree limbs were broken. Two power poles were blown over. The damage ended just north of the intersection of Highways 305 and 1420, about 3.5 miles northwest of downtown Paducah. Most of the damage was along and north of Highway 305 and east of I-24.

Widespread damaging winds occurred over the county. Numerous trees and power lines were down. Some roads were blocked by downed trees and power lines, especially Highway 2187 on the south side of Paducah. The roof was partially torn off a downtown office building in Paducah, and windows were blown out. A power pole was down in Paducah. Thousands of people lost power. Some of the power outages lasted through the following day. The peak wind gust at the National Weather Service at Barkley Regional Airport was 62 mph.

Widespread damaging winds occurred over the county. Numerous trees and power lines were down. Some roads were blocked by downed trees and power lines, especially Highway 2187 on the south side of Paducah. The roof was partially torn off a downtown office building in Paducah, and windows were blown out. A power pole was down in Paducah. Thousands of people lost power. Some of the power outages lasted through the following day. The peak wind gust at the National Weather Service at Barkley Regional Airport was 62 mph.

Flooding of the Clarks River continued from late February. Several state roads were closed due to flooding along the Clarks River, which is a tributary of the Ohio River. Ohio River backwater was the main contributor to the flooding. Water was over Kentucky Highway 1255 (Bonds Road), Kentucky 131 near the Graves County line, Kentucky 787 near the Marshall County line, and Kentucky 284 between Reidland and Paducah. A few residences were threatened by rising water. Electrical power was cut to about a dozen homes on Kentucky 787.

Flooding of the Clarks River continued from late February. Several state roads were closed due to flooding along the Clarks River, which is a tributary of the Ohio River. Ohio River backwater was the main contributor to the flooding. Water was over Kentucky Highway 1255 (Bonds Road), Kentucky 131 near the Graves County line, Kentucky 787 near the Marshall County line, and Kentucky 284 between Reidland and Paducah. A few residences were threatened by rising water. Electrical power was cut to about a dozen homes on Kentucky 787.

On the west side of Paducah, a few downed trees were photographed and posted on social media. One of the trees fell over Highway 305. A highway sign along Interstate 24 near exit 4 was damaged. Power outages were reported.

Widespread damaging winds around 75 mph occurred across much of western and central McCracken County, including the cities of Paducah and Lone Oak. A wind gust to 75 mph was measured by the automated observing system at Barkley Regional Airport. A wind gust to 68 mph was measured at a fire station in Grahamville. Numerous buildings sustained minor roof damage, including a few historic landmarks in downtown Paducah. A metal wall panel was blown off a large storage building in Paducah. A large tree fell through the kitchen and bedroom of a house. Several outbuildings and sheds were destroyed, including one that was blown onto a road near Barkley Regional Airport. Trees and signs were blown down areawide, including some large uprooted trees. Numerous power outages lasted through the morning. Some roads were blocked by downed trees and power lines. A large tree was down on a vehicle in Paducah, destroying the vehicle. A power pole and power lines were down on a car in Lone Oak.

Widespread damaging winds around 75 mph occurred across much of western and central McCracken County, including the cities of Paducah and Lone Oak. A wind gust to 75 mph was measured by the automated observing system at Barkley Regional Airport. A wind gust to 68 mph was measured at a fire station in Grahamville. Numerous buildings sustained minor roof damage, including a few historic landmarks in downtown Paducah. A metal wall panel was blown off a large storage building in Paducah. A large tree fell through the kitchen and bedroom of a house. Several outbuildings and sheds were destroyed, including one that was blown onto a road near Barkley Regional Airport. Trees and signs were blown down areawide, including some large uprooted trees. Numerous power outages lasted through the morning. Some roads were blocked by downed trees and power lines. A large tree was down on a vehicle in Paducah, destroying the vehicle. A power pole and power lines were down on a car in Lone Oak.

A large tree and a power pole was down over Highway 1954 just southeast of Paducah.

Large trees were blown down two miles south of Barkley Regional Airport. Multiple trees were blown down in Lone Oak, causing power outages. A tree was uprooted in the Hendron community.

Large trees were blown down two miles south of Barkley Regional Airport. Multiple trees were blown down in Lone Oak, causing power outages. A tree was uprooted in the Hendron community.

Numerous trees were blown down across eastern McCracken County. A few of the trees landed on roads and power lines. Highway 450 was closed by downed trees. Shingles and gutters were blown off at least a few homes near U.S. Highway 68. A few utility poles were snapped on Highway 1954.

Numerous trees were blown down across eastern McCracken County. A few of the trees landed on roads and power lines. Highway 450 was closed by downed trees. Shingles and gutters were blown off at least a few homes near U.S. Highway 68. A few utility poles were snapped on Highway 1954.

Numerous trees were blown down across the county, including the city of Paducah. At least a couple of trees landed on houses. Other trees landed on power lines and across roadways. A wind gust to 66 mph was measured by the automated observing system at Barkley Regional Airport, adjacent to the National Weather Service office. A trained spotter on the south side of Paducah measured a wind gust to 67 mph. A utility company reported 7,000 people were without power in the city of Paducah.

Numerous trees were blown down across the county, including the city of Paducah. At least a couple of trees landed on houses. Other trees landed on power lines and across roadways. A wind gust to 66 mph was measured by the automated observing system at Barkley Regional Airport, adjacent to the National Weather Service office. A trained spotter on the south side of Paducah measured a wind gust to 67 mph. A utility company reported 7,000 people were without power in the city of Paducah.

Major flash flooding occurred as a result of persistent thunderstorms that dumped up to 5.5 inches of rain in four hours. The heaviest rainfall amounts occurred over the city of Paducah, where serious flooding of streets and low-lying areas took place. A state of emergency was declared by the city and county government leaders. Floodwaters affected about 133 private residences and 29 businesses. Among the flooded buildings were three apartment complexes, the sheriff's department, an ambulance building, and the county jail. The vast majority of the flooded buildings remained habitable, but nearly a dozen were uninhabitable until minor repairs could be made. Water overwhelmed several neighborhoods, and the county emergency management agency used boats to check on residents. The Red Cross opened a shelter for those displaced residents. Numerous vehicles were stranded on flooded streets and parking lots. The Paducah Police Department responded to 15 water-related incidents or rescues in four hours. The county sheriff's department handled numerous other incidents outside the Paducah city limits. Since the flash flooding occurred during the early morning commute, there was a high impact on traffic. Flash flooding of Perkins Creek inundated access roads and parking lots of hotels and restaurants near exit 4 along Interstate 24. A hotel was evacuated as water rose out of the parking lot into the first floor. The flooding affected underground power lines, knocking out traffic signals at the congested exit 4 interchange. About 1,000 customers experienced power outages in the area near exit 4. Numerous basements throughout Paducah were flooded. The rainfall total at a rain gage in downtown Paducah along the Ohio River was 5.44 inches, which fell within a period of four hours. At the NWS office at Barkley Regional Airport, the total was 2.9 inches.

Power lines were down along Highway 725.

The tornado began very close to the Ballard County line. The most intense damage in McCracken County was rated EF-2 at a uranium enrichment plant just west of Grahamville. At that location, three metal roll-up doors on the main processing building were blown in. Some wall panels on the large processing building were blown out. The tops of three steel power transmission towers within the plant grounds were bent over. A few power lines were snapped. Cooling tower shrouds were blown off. Some siding on a cooling tower was damaged. One sport utility vehicle was shoved 30 yards into a ditch. An off-duty employee of the plant was seriously injured when tornado debris, including another car, was blown into his vehicle. Elsewhere in the county, an abandoned mobile home was demolished, though the undercarriage remained. Many houses had damage to shingles and siding. Some metal roofs were slightly damaged. A wooden fence was ripped from the ground. Chain link fences were blown over. Trees were uprooted or snapped off, some striking homes. A church foyer was destroyed. Road signs were bent. The average path width was 100 yards in McCracken County. The tornado continued east across the Ohio River into Massac County, Illinois, where it strengthened to EF-3 intensity. The total path length of this tornado was 42 miles. The parent supercell tracked from southeast Missouri across the Mississippi River through the Paducah area, then east to the Kentucky Lake area of western Kentucky.

The tornado began very close to the Ballard County line. The most intense damage in McCracken County was rated EF-2 at a uranium enrichment plant just west of Grahamville. At that location, three metal roll-up doors on the main processing building were blown in. Some wall panels on the large processing building were blown out. The tops of three steel power transmission towers within the plant grounds were bent over. A few power lines were snapped. Cooling tower shrouds were blown off. Some siding on a cooling tower was damaged. One sport utility vehicle was shoved 30 yards into a ditch. An off-duty employee of the plant was seriously injured when tornado debris, including another car, was blown into his vehicle. Elsewhere in the county, an abandoned mobile home was demolished, though the undercarriage remained. Many houses had damage to shingles and siding. Some metal roofs were slightly damaged. A wooden fence was ripped from the ground. Chain link fences were blown over. Trees were uprooted or snapped off, some striking homes. A church foyer was destroyed. Road signs were bent. The average path width was 100 yards in McCracken County. The tornado continued east across the Ohio River into Massac County, Illinois, where it strengthened to EF-3 intensity. The total path length of this tornado was 42 miles. The parent supercell tracked from southeast Missouri across the Mississippi River through the Paducah area, then east to the Kentucky Lake area of western Kentucky.

Several trees and power lines were blown down.

A National Weather Service employee estimated a wind gust to 60 mph along U.S. Highway 60 just west of Paducah. At least a dozen trees were blown down in the Paducah area. One tree landed across a roadway. Another tree landed on a house in Paducah. Large tree limbs were blown down on the south side of Paducah. Some limbs were down on cars. Widespread power outages were reported. At the Paducah high school, a fence was damaged at the tennis courts. Track and field equipment was damaged.

A National Weather Service employee estimated a wind gust to 60 mph along U.S. Highway 60 just west of Paducah. At least a dozen trees were blown down in the Paducah area. One tree landed across a roadway. Another tree landed on a house in Paducah. Large tree limbs were blown down on the south side of Paducah. Some limbs were down on cars. Widespread power outages were reported. At the Paducah high school, a fence was damaged at the tennis courts. Track and field equipment was damaged.

Severe thunderstorms produced widespread wind gusts around 70 mph across McCracken County. A wind gust to 70 mph was measured by the automated observing system at Barkley Regional Airport. A trained spotter measured a wind gust to 70 mph in the Reidland/Farley area. At least five or six trees were uprooted in the Lone Oak area, along with numerous large limbs. One tree landed on a house. Shingles were blown off a few homes. A roof in the Reidland area sustained extensive loss of shingles. Between Lone Oak and Reidland south of Interstate 24, numerous trees and limbs were down. At least a few trees landed across roads, including U.S. Highway 45. A tree landed on power lines.

Severe thunderstorms produced widespread wind gusts around 70 mph across McCracken County. A wind gust to 70 mph was measured by the automated observing system at Barkley Regional Airport. A trained spotter measured a wind gust to 70 mph in the Reidland/Farley area. At least five or six trees were uprooted in the Lone Oak area, along with numerous large limbs. One tree landed on a house. Shingles were blown off a few homes. A roof in the Reidland area sustained extensive loss of shingles. Between Lone Oak and Reidland south of Interstate 24, numerous trees and limbs were down. At least a few trees landed across roads, including U.S. Highway 45. A tree landed on power lines.

A carport was blown across U.S. Highway 45 in Lone Oak. Power outages were reported around the area. On the south side of Paducah, a roof was blown off a small building used as an antique and knick-knack store. The owner reported about 40 percent damage to the merchandise inside. On Highway 131 in the Reidland area, a tree fell on a home.

A carport was blown across U.S. Highway 45 in Lone Oak. Power outages were reported around the area. On the south side of Paducah, a roof was blown off a small building used as an antique and knick-knack store. The owner reported about 40 percent damage to the merchandise inside. On Highway 131 in the Reidland area, a tree fell on a home.

A swath of damaging winds occurred in western McCracken County, from the Ballard County line east to the Paducah city limits. Two storage sheds were destroyed at a farm center on U.S. Route 60 at the Ballard County line. Dog kennels were blown across a field. A power pole was snapped. A few miles west of the Heath community, a 15-by-18 foot section of roof was blown off a church and into a road. A neighboring tobacco barn was destroyed, and shingles were blown off a house roof. Off Highway 358 a couple miles west of Grahamville, a major TVA electrical transmission line went down, along with four large wood electrical towers. An awning in front of a business was destroyed. Numerous tree limbs were blown across roads from the Ballard County line east to near Heath. A wind gust to 60 mph was measured at the National Weather Service office at Barkley Regional Airport. On the west side of the city of Paducah, sheds were blown across a road from a home improvement store. Winds remained strong across the rest of McCracken County, but just below severe levels. A gust to 56 mph was measured in Reidland.

A swath of damaging winds occurred in western McCracken County, from the Ballard County line east to the Paducah city limits. Two storage sheds were destroyed at a farm center on U.S. Route 60 at the Ballard County line. Dog kennels were blown across a field. A power pole was snapped. A few miles west of the Heath community, a 15-by-18 foot section of roof was blown off a church and into a road. A neighboring tobacco barn was destroyed, and shingles were blown off a house roof. Off Highway 358 a couple miles west of Grahamville, a major TVA electrical transmission line went down, along with four large wood electrical towers. An awning in front of a business was destroyed. Numerous tree limbs were blown across roads from the Ballard County line east to near Heath. A wind gust to 60 mph was measured at the National Weather Service office at Barkley Regional Airport. On the west side of the city of Paducah, sheds were blown across a road from a home improvement store. Winds remained strong across the rest of McCracken County, but just below severe levels. A gust to 56 mph was measured in Reidland.

The roof was blown off of a mobile home near the Ohio River west of Paducah. A nearby house was struck by a falling tree. A large tree limb fell on a house in Paducah, causing considerable damage. A power pole was snapped in Paducah. A fence was blown down in Reidland. Eight trees were blown down southwest of Barkley Regional Airport near the Ballard County line. A wind gust to 64 mph was measured at Barkley Regional Airport west of Paducah.

The roof was blown off of a mobile home near the Ohio River west of Paducah. A nearby house was struck by a falling tree. A large tree limb fell on a house in Paducah, causing considerable damage. A power pole was snapped in Paducah. A fence was blown down in Reidland. Eight trees were blown down southwest of Barkley Regional Airport near the Ballard County line. A wind gust to 64 mph was measured at Barkley Regional Airport west of Paducah.

In the community of Hendron, an unoccupied mobile home was rolled over and destroyed. In the same area, a carport was destroyed, and numerous large trees and power lines were blown down. One tree punched a hole in the roof of a mobile home. Other trees were down across roads. The apparent microburst damage was about one-half mile long by 50 yards wide. Spottier damage in the form of isolated downed trees occurred east and west of the microburst. In Lone Oak, a large tree was blown down across a high dollar-value house. The tree came through the roof into the living room. In Woodlawn and Reidland, isolated trees and power lines were down. Tree tops were blown 50 to 75 feet in the Reidland area.

In the community of Hendron, an unoccupied mobile home was rolled over and destroyed. In the same area, a carport was destroyed, and numerous large trees and power lines were blown down. One tree punched a hole in the roof of a mobile home. Other trees were down across roads. The apparent microburst damage was about one-half mile long by 50 yards wide. Spottier damage in the form of isolated downed trees occurred east and west of the microburst. In Lone Oak, a large tree was blown down across a high dollar-value house. The tree came through the roof into the living room. In Woodlawn and Reidland, isolated trees and power lines were down. Tree tops were blown 50 to 75 feet in the Reidland area.

A power pole was snapped, several trees were blown down, and live power lines were down. A roof was off a kennel.

A power pole was snapped, several trees were blown down, and live power lines were down. A roof was off a kennel.

In Paducah, a carport was blown away. Several trees were blown down from Paducah to the Lone Oak area. The downed trees resulted in power outages for about 4,500 customers.

An off-duty meteorologist estimated winds gusted from 50 to 60 MPH in Lone Oak. Several trees were blown down in the Paducah and Lone Oak areas. Tree limbs fell on power lines, causing some power outages. One tree landed on a house.

A person was trapped inside their vehicle under downed power lines. A fallen tree blocked a secondary road.

A Paducah television station estimated wind gusts from 55 to 60 MPH. Power lines and a few large tree limbs were blown down in the city. A large tree limb fell on a dump truck, causing minor damage to the truck. Power lines fell on a car.

Trees were blown down at many locations across the county. Power lines landed on several houses. A tree landed on a house in West Paducah, and another tree landed on apartments in Paducah. A utility pole grazed a mobile home in the Lone Oak area. An off-duty National Weather Service employee estimated wind gusts to 60 MPH on Interstate 24 in Paducah.

A gust to 70 MPH was recorded by ASOS wind equipment at Barkley Regional Airport. Numerous trees and limbs were blown down just west, south, and southeast of the airport. Some of the trees landed on houses, roads, and power lines. An old hangar building at the airport was blown down. A church received minor damage to the roof and steeple.

Thunderstorm winds blew about 30 trees down across the county. Some of the trees fell across power lines and roads.

Numerous tree limbs were blown down, causing scattered power outages. At least 8 streets were blocked by fallen trees or power lines. A tree limb about 9 inches in diameter brought power lines down across U.S. Highway 62 just west of I-24. Route 62 was closed for about an hour. The storm produced 60 MPH wind at a sensor maintained by the Paducah Power System.

Large tree limbs and power lines were down.

The path of most concentrated damage began near the southwest corner of the county and extended east across Lone Oak and Hendron to the "Littleville" section of Paducah. Dozens of homes were damaged by trees falling on them. The greatest concentration of downed trees appeared to be just south of Paducah, near the Hendron community. A large section of roofing was blown off a building near the south city limit of Paducah. Storm doors and shingles were blown off some buildings. The Paducah Power System reported 1,500 customers without power, but it was restored to nearly all customers within 24 hours.

A couple of trees and a few power lines were down.

A severe thunderstorm moved east across northern Ballard and northwest McCracken Counties, downing numerous trees and power lines. The rotating storm also produced a tornado along the Ohio River in Ballard County. This storm was a long-lived supercell that formed over southeast Missouri and tracked northeast up the Ohio River Valley. The storm crossed back into Kentucky in Livingston County. Fallen trees blocked roadways across northern Livingston County.