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6:16 All tornado warnings have expired across the area. The severe weather threat is done for all of Wave Country. Steady rain and gusty winds continue this morning. Watch for debris on the roads and standing water.
6:06: Law Enforcement in Marion County reports damage to a mobile home. Injuries to a child are reported.
6:05 Update from Intern Sid Abramson -- I am handing the blog over to Christie and Lauren to take care of the rest of the morning. For most of our area, the risk for severe weather is over. 2 warnings out for our far eastern and southeastern areas. This is all almost out of our viewing area.
5:55: NWS has issued a Tornado Warning for our far eastern area of Adair County. There is some rotation showing up again on the radar. This barely clips our viewing area so we will stay on live until this moves out of our area.
5:53 AM -- Reports now that the power has been fully restored in the city of Indian Hills. We assume that a lightning strike or wind gust caused an outage at the substation for that area.
5:50 AM -- The Severe Thunderstorm warning for Nelson and Taylor counties has been allowed to expire.
5:45 AM -- We have recieved a 47 MPH wind gust in Adair County when that storm cell passed over. Reports coming out of Hillview that a residents trampoline is in a tree. That is not officially confirmed but would not be surprised to see NWS check that area out for possibly a brief touchdown while there was some rotation earlier this morning.
5:38 AM -- Our latest thinking on rainfall is that most areas will see around 1-2 inches of rain. All tornado warnings have been allowed to expire although Severe thunderstorm warnings are still in effect for eastern areas until around 6:05 AM. Some high winds are possible but for the most part, heavy rain will be the main impact at this point. The threat for severe weather is diminishing quickly now.
5:34 AM -- The tornado watches are now expired for most areas in Central Ky, including Louisville Metro. Watches are still in effect for eastern areas until this line moves out. There have been NO reports of tornado touchdowns or major damage, in addition to no injuries due to wind damage. This is why we work so hard to forewarn our viewers for the potential severe weather, especially during the overnight hours when most are asleep.
5:32 AM -- Some debris is being reported on the roadways with power outages. A transformer fire is being reported in PRP. Heavy rain is now the main story for Louisville during the next 1 to 2 hours. While many viewers are headed out to work, take it slow and be careful for any downed power lines and trees.
5:29 AM -- The tornado warning has expired for Henry County and will soon expire for Adair County while the other half of Adair County is under a severe thunderstorm warning. Severe thunderstorm warnings still remain in effect for other eastern areas before this moves out of our area.
5:24 AM -- We still have two tornado warnings in effect for Henry County until 5:25 AM and Adair County until 5:40 AM. The Henry County warning will expire in minutes. Severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect for Franklin, Washington, Shelby, Spencer, Taylor, Green, and Marion counties in Ky until around 6:05 AM. The main threat is isolated wind gusts but for the most part, the risk will be diminishing to a heavy rain event. The weakening trend continues and this entire system will begin to exit our viewing area within the next 30 minutes.
5:13 AM -- Damage reports coming in from PRP in Louisville. Trees and power lines being reported down. It is important to remember to stay away from any downed power lines.
5:10 AM -- JUST IN: A TORNADO WARNING is now in effect for Henry Co until 5:25 AM. This is yet again for the risk of a brief rain wrapped tornado. A Tornado Warning now in effect for Adair County until 5:40 AM. Take cover if you are in this areas.
5:06 AM -- 2500 customers are reportedly out of power in the Hillview area. More power outages being reported in the southern areas as well as eastern areas of Jefferson County, KY.
5:02 AM -- JUST IN: JCPS will be running on a normal schedule this morning. This is in part due to the early timing of the storms through the Metro. If the arrival time would've been 2 hours later, this may have been different.
*Strongest storms remain to the south of the Metro area. Another 10-15 minutes left in these warnings.
5:00 AM -- MSD is reporting some backup with the sewage system so for the next several hours, it is reccomended to stay away from creeks and riverbeds, along with areas that are prone to flash flooding. Heavy rain is the main threat for the next several hours. The wind threat can't be ruled out yet but for the most part, the severe threats are beginning to diminish quickly.
4:57 AM -- The weakening trend is now beginning with the entire squall line. All tornado warnings are expired and the Severe thunderstorm warning that was in effect for Louisville, Clark Co and Floyd Counties in IN has been allowed to expire. Others are in effect until around 5:20 AM
4:52 AM -- Areas to the south of Louisville are now under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning. This includes Hardin, Hart, Larue, and Nelson counties until 5:20 AM. The tornado warnings are now expired for Louisville and Bullitt counties.
4:46 AM -- The threat for tornadoes is now beginning to diminish although the warning is still in effect until 4:55 AM. As this entire squall line moves east, it will become more and more linear, which will result in more of a wind event than tornado event. In addition to the winds, heavy rain will be of concern this morning as 1 to 2 inches is possible.
* Another power outage of over 1000 residents in the Indian Hills area has been reported. More reports coming in regarding power outages.
4:40 AM -- No major damage reports yet for the city of Louisville. Power outages being reported but nothing major, it is very isolated at the time. Areas near Ft Knox did recieve winds up to 60 mph. We are keeping a close eye on this developing situation. The threat will begin to transition to our eastern counties soon. The warning is still in effect for Louisville and Bullitt county. Remain in your safe spots until these warnings expire in about 12 minutes.
4:37 AM -- The Tornado WATCH that was in effect until 5:00 AM has been extended to 12:00 p.m. today for most of the area that was already in that. We do NOT anticipate the risk to last theat long but for safety they are extending it. The risk should end within the next couple of hours.
4:35 AM -- The strongest winds with this cell moving through Louisville is pushing through the eastern parts of the area: St Matthews, Lyndon, Fern Creek, and areas further east. If you live in these areas, you need to now take cover in preperation for this storm cell. MANY severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect in addition to the Tornado Warnings for Louisville and Bullitt counties. Be prepared for these tornado warnings to possibly be extended.
4:30 AM -- This potential tornadic cell is now approaching the Watterson Expressway corridor and nearing Uofl. It will then move towards downtown. It is ahead of this that the highest wind threat will be present. Up to 60 mph is possible.
4:26 AM --Severe Thunderstorm Warnings now out for portions of our area north of the river. The TORNADO WARNING for Louisville and Bullitt has been extended to 4:55 AM as this is an area for a quick spin up. Take cover, especially if you live in areas near Okalona and Fern Creek, Sheperdsville. We have a report of 60 mph wind gust near Ft Knox.
4:19 AM -- Reports now coming in that a small garage has been blown into the road in Caneyville in Grayson County. This was the part of the cell that is now moving through the Louisville area. Take cover if you are in any area that is under a Tornado Warning.
4:15 AM -- Folks, this particular cell will be moving northeast. It will effect the far southwestern parts of Jefferson County, Ky first and then move through the remainder of the county.Strong winds are likely with this cell. Gusts up to 50 mph are already being reported just southwest of the county. We are watching this closely.
4:12 AM-- JUST IN: Metro Louisville is now under a Tornado Warning until 4:30 AM. This also includes Harrison, Hardin, Meade, Buillitt counties. If any touchdown develops, it will be rain wrapped and hard to see. This is still about 10 minutes away so now time to prepare and take cover.
4:07 AM -- We are still watching the part of the line that effected Grayson County. This will be moving northeast and may clip the far southern parts of Metro Louisville in areas such as PRP. You may see some isolated 60+ mph wind gusts. We are keeping an eye on that as this moves NE.
4:03 AM -- Reports of a water rescue in Jennings County, IN. We are not sure of the exact location but will hopefully gather more information as we move through the next hour or two. More power outages are being reported a long with scattered trees being down. A reminder to viewers in the Breckinridge county area-- your sirens are NOT working so in the case that those are still needed, please be alert.
School delays are still coming in and you can keep updated with those by going to the Wave3 homepage and clicking the top part of the page for a full list. Stoplights are out around the entire viewing area so be careful when you leave for work early this morning.
3:57 AM -- The tornado warning for Grayson County has now been allowed to expire. The severe thunderstorm warning is still in effect for this area until 4:35 AM in addition to the other counties that are currently under the severe thunderstorm warning. Winds in excess of 60 mph are possible with heavy rain. The rotation is not showing up as much so the concern for tornadic activity has diminished for now. Based on radar trends, the event will be more focused on damaging wind gusts.
3:53 AM -- Some things to expect in Metro Louisville as this sytem approaches and moves through:
1) Blinding rainfall
2) Intense lightning
3) Winds 40-50 mph with risk for 60+ mph
3:51 AM -- 1300 Power outages being reported in Louisville so far. This is from Wave3's Chris McGill.
3:50 AM -- The Severe Thunderstorm warning for Grayson and Hardin counties have now been extended up to 4:35 AM. As of now, all warnings (which is a lot) are all slated to expire at 4:35 AM.
*Power outages are continuously coming in around the area as strong winds move in. Some outages being reported locally in Metro Louisville near St Matthews and near Churchill Downs. Lauren Jones is keeping Facebook updated with power outages around the area. Be sure to post any damage reports in the comment boxes.
3:45 AM -- SPC is monitoring our area ( mostly Central Ky and Southern IN) in regards to extending our Tornado Watch time. It is supposed to expire by 5 :00 AM. This may get extended further. We will be watching for their update. The line is approaching the county line now.
3:40 AM -- Severe Thunderstorms now out for Meade, Jefferson, Bullitt, Hardin, Breckinridge and Grayson counties in Ky until 4:35 AM. Warnings out for Harrison, Floyd, Clark, Jennings, and Jackson counties in IN until 3:45 AM. This includes the Metro Louisville. Winds in excess of 60 mph possible. Power outages and downed trees are possible so be on stand by in these areas. This is still away by about 20 minutes.
3:35 AM -- The tornado warning has now been allowed to expire in Breckinridge county but will continue for Grayson County until 3:55 AM
3:32 AM -- Damage reports now coming in just east of Salem, IN in Washington County. A roof has been blown off a residence. This is moving east so be on the lookout if you live near North Vernon.
3:30 AM -- We are getting reports from Emergency Management that sirens in Southern Breckinridge county are down and/or malfunctioning. Although this is only radar indicated, if you know anyone in this area, it would be important to contact them and give them the warning. These storms are about 30 minutes away from the Louisville Metro.
3:26 AM -- Tornado Warning now in effect for Grayson County (also Butler and Ohio counties outside our area) until 3:55 AM. This includes the city of Leitchfield. Rotation now showing up on radar. We are watching this cell closely as it tracks off to the east and northeast at a fast pace 70 mph.
3:24 AM -- The storm that is currently tornado warned is moving across the river as we speak. We are watching this closely as any risk for a touchdown would be rain wrapped and hard to see, which is what raises our concern of course. Numerous power outages are now being reported with some tree limbs down.
3:21 AM -- JUST IN: Tornado Warning now in effect for Meade and Breckinridge counties in KY and Perry county in IN until 3:40 AM. It is moving NE at around 60 mph which is very impressive. Rotation is showing up on radar, no reports of touchdowns or damage at this time. Damage is possible with this cell though as winds are fairly strong.
3:20 AM -- We are watching Grayson County carefully as the storm currently in this area is on the potent side and is still showing some slight rotation. For now, it is under a severe thunderstorm warning but we are keeping a close on it. Many areas still on the Kentucky side of the river are being watched closely.
3:14 AM -- Reports of trees down in Meade CO.
3:12 AM -- Orange County has now been removed from the Tornado Warning as the amount of rotation has decreased significantly. Washington and Perry Counties are still in the warning for another 10-12 minutes. No damage reports yet.
3:08 AM -- There were difficulties with the blog and connection but it is back up and running. As of now, we have 3 tornado warnings in effect for Washington and Perry counties in Indiana with several severe thunderstorm warnings around this same area. The storms are still right around an hour away from Metro Louisville.
2:45 AM -- We are keeping a close eye on the latest radar. There are areas to the west, on the Kentucky side of the river that are showing some "wiggles" in the main squall line. Also seeing some rotation on the radar returns so we are watching this closely as this progresses quickly off to the east.
2:42 AM -- Lauren Jones is monitoring downed trees and power outages locally. Reports of trees and limbs down in Louisville near 3rd Street and isolated power outages. We do expect these to increase in coverage with the winds that are being reported and are expected to arrive within the hour. It is important to remember that given the saturated ground, it won't take much for trees to be uprooted.
2:37 AM -- Severe Thunderstorm Warning is now in effect for another part of Perry Co, IN and Breckinridge County, Ky until 3:00 AM. This is for winds in excess of 60 mph.
2:33 AM -- Tornado Warning has been extended to 2:55 AM for Crawford and Orange Counties and now includes Perry Counties as well. This is radar indicated.
2:30 AM -- The tornado warning has now been allowed to expire in Dubois County. There is still some rotation showing up in Crawford and Orange counties. We are monitoring the situation closely. Louisville is clear at this point but storms are about an hour away.
2:27 AM -- We are now on live now with non stop coverage in regards to the Tornado Warning that is in effect for Crawford, Orange, and Dubois Counties in Indiana. We are also streaming live on the Wave3 News App. We are streaming live on 840 WHAS in the case we lose power.
2:21 AM -- JUST IN: TORNADO WARNING is now in effect for Crawford, Dubois, and Orange Counites in Southern Indiana until 2:50 AM. This is radar indicated but is showing some rotation. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings still in effet for Jackson and Jennings Counties until 3:00 AM
2:13 AM -- Reports still coming out of western Ky where a sturcture fire is now being reported out of Trigg County, Ky where damage was reported earlier in addition to power outages. We are continuing to watch the latest radar trends to the west as this line nears the Louisville Metro Area in the next 1-2 hours.
2:01 AM -- For viewers who have a smart phone and have the Wave3 Weather App downloaded, we are now live streming the radar when we are not live on air.
1:59 AM -- Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Perry County, IN until 2:20 AM
1:54 AM -- SPC Mesoscale UPDATE: The TORNADO WATCH that is currently in place is most likely to be extended further east into areas of Indiana and Kentucky. Here is their latest thinking:
TRENDS IN LATE EVENING/EARLY OVERNIGHT OBJECTIVE
ANALYSES SHOWED THE AIR MASS DOWNSTREAM OF AN EWD MOVING SQUALL LINE
WAS CONTINUING TO DESTABILIZE WITH MUCAPE INTO WRN AND CENTRAL OH UP
TO 250 J/KG. DESPITE THE MARGINAL INSTABILITY...THE ONGOING
DESTABILIZATION DURING THE OVERNIGHT HOURS COMBINED WITH A
STRENGTHENING SLY LLJ INTO THIS PORTION OF THE OH VALLEY /UP 80 KT
AT THE SDF WSR-88D/ WILL LIKELY CONTINUE TO SUPPORT A THREAT FOR
DAMAGING WINDS
1:50 AM -- Reported wind gust of 65 mph in Bloomington, IN near IU campus
1:46 AM -- For viewers with anyone in the Bloomington area near Indiana Univerity, reports of trees blocking some roadways. Trees contining to be reported down in the Brewers area where some structural damage was done.
1:38 AM --Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are in effect for Jennings, Lawrence, and Jackson counties in IN until 2:15 am for the risk of winds in excess of 60 mph.
1:37 AM -- Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Crawford, Dubois, Orange, and Perry counties in IN until 2:15 am. Winds in excess of 60 mph are possible
1:30 AM -- 50 mph wind gust has been reported in the Ireland area of Dubois County, IN
1:27 AM -- Trees are down in Lynn Grove, Ky as well as power outages. The warning in Murray, Ky will remain in effect for the next 10 minutes as NWS has states they are still concerned with the storms potential in regards to damaging wind gusts and slight rotation.
1:25 AM -- Report of a 8'' diameter, 40 foot tall tree down in the intersection of Hummingbird Lane and Sweetwater Trail in Brown County, IN.
1:19 AM -- Heads up to Breckinridge/Grayson/Hart Counties. Be on standby for possible severe weather as we are watching the storm in western Ky that has produced damage.
1:17 AM -- Update to the windows that were blown out in Brewers. We are recieving numerous reports of damage just west of Murray where there has been damage to a house as well asdamage to windows and a barn.
1:15 AM -- Tornado Warning is in effect for Bloomington and the campus of Indiana Univerisity so take cover for any viewers that are on the IU campus.
1:11 AM -- Reports of power outages on Maple Grove Rd. IN Trigg County, Ky.
1:06 AM -- Latest radar trends are showing this line now moving NE at around 70 mph. This is impressive speed and shows the strength of the wind field a loft.
1:02 AM -- Reports of winds that have blown some windowns out of a home in Marshall County, Ky. Also some rotation showing up on the radar just south of Murray. Other reports of street signs blown down in western areas.
12:55 AM -- Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Dubois County, IN until 1:35 am EST. Winds in excess of 60 mph are possible
12:52 AM -- JUST IN: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are in effect for Jackson and Lawrence counties in Indiana until 1:30 am EST. Winds in excess of 60 mph are possible with this cell.
12:47 AM -- The latest observations from the Ky Mesonet site are showing statewide wind gusts of around 25-30 mph with some higher gusts to the west where the squall line is approaching.
12:34 AM -- NWS has released a Special Weather Statement for Orange, Dubois, and Perry counties in Indiana. These are the most likely areas that will have a warning soon. Here is their latest thinking:
A LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ENTERING SOUTHWEST INDIANA WILL
CONTINUE TO PUSH EAST...ENTERING DUBOIS COUNTY AROUND 1 AM EST.
THESE STORMS WILL REACH ORANGE...CRAWFORD...AND PERRY COUNTIES IN
INDIANA...AND HANCOCK COUNTY IN KENTUCKY AROUND 130 AM EST...OR 1230
AM CST.
HEAVY RAIN REDUCING VISIBILITIES...AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60
MPH...ARE EXPECTED WITH THESE STORMS.
12:29 AM -- Looking at the latest radar trends, we are seeing several bowing segments in the line, which can cause damaging winds. This is occuring on the northern portion of line which will bring that risk into SW Indiana and even as far east into Southern portions of Indiana. We are starting to see signs of what we call "cool pooling", which are are some signs of a weakening trend. It is important to note that we sometimes see the highest wind gusts at the peak weakening trend so that is something we will need to monitor over the next few hours. We are keeping a close eye on it...
12:21 AM -- Winds are beginning to increase here locally with gusts up to 32 mph in Metro Louisville, 39 mph in Bowling Green, and 36 mph in Ft Know. This is a sign that the squall line is nearing the area within the next couple of hours.
12:17 AM -- Looking at the latest Rapid Refresh Model, here is where the squall line will be located around 3 am. As you can see, it is beginning to approach the I 65 corridor which is lining up well with our latest thinking of 2-4 am.
12:06 AM -- First set of warnings are now out for western areas in Kentucky, including Evansville. They are forecasting winds up to 80 mph. We are watching radar trends, which is showing some signs of weakening as it moves east but for the most part, we do expect severe weather to remain a threat as it moves through the I 65 corridor.
11:50 PM -- The wind is really causing some problems back out to the west. Reports of numerous tree limbs down along with power outages. There is a report of an injury west of the Paducah area caused by the wind as well as reports of atleast 3 people trapped in a closet but details are uncertain. More information will be posted as it comes through the chatrooms out of the Paducah area.
11:35 PM -- As you can see, the number of storm reports to the west has increased from a few hours ago. As we have seen just to the west of us, the winds are impressive and are causing numerous power outages and even some downed trees and minor damage. We continue to keep a close eye on the radar.
11:30 PM -- Here is the latest statement from SPC:
INTENSE SQUALL LINE EXTENDS FROM CENTRAL IL INTO SOUTHEAST MO. THESE STORMS WILL RACE EASTWARD OVERNIGHT ACROSS THE WATCH AREA. EXTREMELY STRONG LOW LEVEL WINDS WILL PROMOTE A RISK OF WIDESPREAD DAMAGING WINDS...DESPITE VERY LIMITED INSTABILITY. ISOLATED TORNADOES WILL ALSO REMAIN POSSIBLE ALONG THE LEADING EDGE OF THE SQUALL LINE.
11:15 PM -- Numerous reports of high wind gusts being reported to the west. Reports ranging from 50 to even 70 mph gusts! This is a pretty impressive line as it moves off to the east. So far, no major damage reports but power outages are beginning to come in from these high wind gusts. The tornado warnings have now decreased but areas of rotation are still showing up along the line, which is what we will be keeping a close eye on throughout the night.
11:10 PM -- Our latest thinking on the timing for severe weather tonight:
west of I 65 -- between 1-2 am
along I 65 -- between 2-4 am
east of I 65 - between 4-6 am
10:41 PM -- JUST IN: A TORNADO WATCH is now in effect for most of our viewing area until 5:00 am EST. Many tornado warnings are now being issued a long this line. We do expect this to become more linear as time progresses.
How many is "many tornado warnings?" Seriously, my stomach is quivering at this point.
Posted by: Kristie Shepherd Deweese | January 29, 2013 at 10:43 PM
Thankfully I live in Marion co. where we are completely safe. It'll die out as it approaches Larue co. as usual. Heh.
Posted by: Brandonmoonspell | January 29, 2013 at 10:47 PM
Damage minimal at best in Valley Station near Prairie Village. Power is on in my neighborhood (which is usually prone to outages). Estimated wind speed of 45-50 mph. An interesting side point. Pressure dropped from 29.39" to 29.34" in 10 minutes. After the strongest winds passed, 10 minutes later, pressure rose to 29.46". I think something was up there just didn't make it down here, thankfully.
Posted by: Mike S | January 30, 2013 at 04:40 AM