Louisville, Ky. – Three EF-1 tornadoes were confirmed in Kentucky following powerful storms that struck the region Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Louisville. The tornadoes, which touched down in southern Jefferson County, Bullitt County, and Spencer County, caused significant damage but, thankfully, no fatalities.
The first tornado was confirmed in southern Jefferson County near the community of Fairdale. Winds were reported at speeds of up to 100 mph, causing widespread damage along Mitchell Hill Road near Chieftain Drive. Several trees were uprooted, and power lines were knocked down, leaving many without power. Residents in the area reported significant roof damage to homes, with one car being crushed by a large fallen tree.
Mike Kochasic, a meteorologist with the NWS, noted, “I think the center of the storm passed right over this area here,” referring to the worst-hit zones in Fairdale. Despite the severe damage, residents in the area were fortunate, as no injuries were reported. One woman, whose house sustained severe damage, shared that her family was home during the tornado, but they were unharmed.
Trevor Armes, a resident of Mitchell Hill Road, described being in his garage when the tornado hit. “I just keep thinking it could’ve been a whole lot worse,” Armes said. He explained that part of a neighbor’s shed ended up tangled in his fence, causing damage to a corner of his home and carport.
Meanwhile, about 20 miles south in Bullitt County, another EF-1 tornado was confirmed, with winds reaching 105 mph. The storm touched down four miles south of Shepherdsville, just west of KY 61. A social media post from the NWS survey team showed extensive damage to a barn in the area, emphasizing the destructive force of the storm.
Further to the south, a third EF-1 tornado struck Spencer County, about 2.5 miles west-southwest of Mount Eden. The tornado had winds estimated at 90 mph and left residents shaken but relieved that the damage could have been far worse.
Cathy New, a resident about half a mile away from the damage, was still without power on Monday morning due to a power line down in her front yard. “All of a sudden, it was total darkness, and I’m like, holy moly,” she said, recalling the moment the storm passed through.
As the NWS continues to survey the damage, local communities are left grappling with the aftermath of the storms. Many residents have expressed relief that no one was injured but are also nervous about more storms expected later in the week. “We got pretty lucky,” Armes reflected, aware of how easily things could have been much worse.
With more severe weather predicted in the coming days, residents in Kentucky remain on edge, preparing for the possibility of more storms. The focus for now is on recovery efforts as families and communities begin the long process of rebuilding and restoring power.
