Meade County, Kentucky tornadoes

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16confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1974). Most recent: March 30, 2025, EF1. 2026 so far: 1 preliminary report preliminary

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Map

Every tornado path in the county

Tornado paths, 1950 to 2025
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(E)F0(E)F1(E)F2(E)F3(E)F4(E)F5Unrated

Each path is a straight line from where the tornado started to where it ended, which is all most NOAA records hold. Tap a path for its details.

The record

At a glance

Total161950 to 2025
Per year0.2average since 1950
Peak monthApril4 of 16
StrongestF5Apr 3, 1974
Deaths32whole paths, see note
Injuries301whole paths, see note

Deaths and injuries are NOAA's totals for each tornado's whole path, which can extend beyond Meade County.

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

40 Jan: 1Feb: 1Mar: 3Apr: 4May: 2Jun: 1Jul: 2Aug: 0Sep: 0Oct: 1Nov: 1Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 4 of 16 tornadoes.

By time of day

20 12 AM: 0: 0: 13 AM: 1: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 19 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 0: 1: 23 PM: 2: 1: 16 PM: 0: 2: 19 PM: 2: 1: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 2:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

20 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 01990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 02010: 0: 1: 1: 1: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 02020: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 219501960197019801990200020102020

The line is the five-year average. Tornadoes before about 1953 were under-reported, and better radar since the 1990s finds more weak ones. This year so far: 1 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
4
EF1
10
EF2
1
EF5
1

Ratings before February 2007 use the original F scale; the numbers line up with today's EF scale. Unknown means NOAA could not assign a rating.

The record

Notable tornadoes

Deadliest

F5, April 3, 1974

31 deaths, 270 injuries Strongest

F5, April 3, 1974

32 mile path Longest path

32.3 miles, F2

April 28, 2002, whole path Widest

500 yards, EF1

March 30, 2025
Every tornado

All 16 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Mar 30, 2025EF17.18 mi50 yd00
Mar 30, 2025EF130.28 mi500 yd01
May 26, 2024EF11.57 mi150 yd00
Apr 5, 2023EF10.27 mi50 yd00
Nov 18, 2017EF11.82 mi50 yd01
Jul 10, 2015EF03.24 mi100 yd00
Jan 30, 2013EF01 mi200 yd00
Mar 2, 2012EF00.65 mi30 yd00
Apr 19, 2011EF011.46 mi150 yd00
Feb 5, 2008EF16.45 mi350 yd00
Oct 18, 2007EF14.11 mi300 yd00
Apr 28, 2002F232.3 mi150 yd119
May 5, 1996F11 mi100 yd010
Jul 18, 1988F10.2 mi100 yd00
Jun 13, 1987F10.6 mi20 yd00
Apr 3, 1974F532 mi440 yd31270
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Mar 15, 20261 SE FlahertyNot yet rated

Preliminary reports from the Storm Prediction Center. One tornado can be reported more than once, and NOAA confirms the final record months later.

Nearby

Nearby counties

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Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center severe weather database, 1950 to 2025, and SPC preliminary reports for 2026. Page built October 12, 2026.