Louisville, KY – The National Weather Service Louisville is marking the fourth anniversary of the December 10–11, 2021 tornado outbreak, one of the most devastating weather events in Kentucky’s history. The outbreak produced multiple long-track tornadoes across western and central Kentucky, including EF-3 damage in Bowling Green and Breckinridge County, and the continuation of the EF-4 Mayfield, KY tornado.
According to the NWS, surveys confirmed dozens of tornadoes, ranging from EF-0 to EF-3 intensity, that swept across communities from Logan and Warren counties eastward into Madison, Boyle, and Garrard counties. Notably, five tornadoes were documented between Boyle and Garrard counties, while two EF-1 tornadoes were confirmed in Madison County.
Bowling Green endured some of the most severe destruction, with two separate tornadoes—one rated EF-3 and another EF-2—causing widespread structural damage and power outages. Meanwhile, Hardin, Spencer, Hart, and Marion counties reported EF-1 and EF-2 tornadoes that damaged homes, farms, and public infrastructure.
The National Weather Service said the event’s magnitude was unprecedented for December, both in scope and impact. “We remember those lost and our thoughts are with their families,” the agency shared in a statement Wednesday.
Residents are encouraged to review severe weather safety plans as winter tornadoes remain possible during El Niño years, when strong frontal systems can trigger violent storms even outside traditional spring months.
