Dec. 10-11, 2021 was the deadliest December tornado outbreak on record. It covered five states, including Kentucky.


What You Need To Know

  • Western Kentucky was under a moderate risk for severe storms

  • 66 confirmed tornadoes tracked over multiple states

  • Storms caused 89 reported fatalites and over $3 billion of damage

The atmosphere was primed for powerful, destructive thunderstorms across Kentucky to develop on Dec. 10, 2021. All the key ingredients were in place that day such as warm, moist air near the surface, along with wind shear and instability. We had a strong low pressure system approaching from the west, allowing temperatures to soar into the 60s and 70s across Kentucky.

Tracks of most of the tornadoes from the Dec. 2021 outbreak.

The quad-state tornado started in Lake County, Tenn. and remained on the ground through several Kentucky counties. Mayfield, Ky. was the hardest-hit area from this tornado with the worst damage rated as EF-4. Estimated winds were around 190 mph. This long-track tornado was on the ground for 166 miles.

Another long-track tornado developed just south of the quad-state supercell and produced an EF-3 strength tornado. Several areas were damaged, including Bowling Green. In total, 18 tornadoes were reported across Kentucky that night.

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