A powerful thunderstorm crossed the Ohio River on Thursday afternoon, bringing with it two tornadoes that caused significant damage in Louisville, Kentucky, and southern Indiana. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Louisville confirmed that the damage in Louisville was consistent with an EF-1 tornado, while southern Indiana experienced an EF-0 tornado.
In Louisville, the tornado struck near 28th Street and Woodland Avenue, with winds reaching 95 mph. The storm left a trail of destruction, uprooting large trees and causing extensive damage to properties. WHAS11 sent a crew to Woodland Avenue, where they observed the aftermath of the storm, including several large trees that had been downed by the strong winds.
The NWS also dispatched survey crews to Harrison County, Indiana, to assess the damage caused by the EF-0 tornado. This tornado had peak winds of 80 mph and traveled along a one-mile path starting at I-135, between Sky Aire Road NE and IN-335, ending just north of Corydon, Indiana.
Despite the significant damage, no injuries were reported from either tornado. However, the severe weather did disrupt multiple Independence Day celebrations, causing delays and rescheduling of events. Thousands of residents in the region were left without power due to the afternoon thunderstorms.
The NWS continues to assess storm damage in west Louisville, and officials are urging residents to stay safe and report any additional damage. The community is coming together to support those affected, and local authorities are working diligently to restore power and clear debris.
In addition to the tornadoes in Louisville and southern Indiana, the NWS confirmed several other tornadoes in the region on April 5, 2023. These tornadoes included an EF-1 in Pleasure Ridge Park, Jefferson County, Kentucky, with peak winds of 110 mph, and another EF-1 in North Watterson Park, Jefferson County, Kentucky, with peak winds of 95 mph.
The Pleasure Ridge Park tornado caused extensive tree damage, uprooting large trees and snapping branches. Several cars were crushed by falling trees, and numerous power lines were downed. Homes in the area suffered shingle, gutter, and fascia damage, and some garages and outbuildings had their roofs and siding damaged. The tornado lifted just behind the last apartment building on Brooklawn Drive.
In North Watterson Park, the tornado started near the main Post Office distribution center and caused significant damage to the roof of Yum! Brands headquarters. Trees were snapped and uprooted, and the tornado lifted by Robards Lane just south of Gardiner Lane.
Another EF-1 tornado struck South Watterson Park, Jefferson County, Kentucky, with peak winds of 90 mph. This tornado caused sporadic tree damage and significant damage to the DashMart warehouse, where the western wall was blown out. The tornado also caused damage to the Big Brothers Big Sisters building, the Louisville Metro Housing Authority, and the Jefferson County Public Schools’ Van Hoose Center.
In Meade County, Kentucky, an EF-1 tornado with peak winds of 110 mph caused damage along US Highway 60. The tornado blew over tractor trailers, snapped and uprooted trees, and caused extensive damage to homes and outbuildings. The most significant damage was observed along Tiptop Road, where a camper was blown over, and a garage outbuilding had several panels blown off.
In Perry County, Indiana, an EF-1 tornado with peak winds of 95 mph struck near Leopold. The tornado caused significant damage to a well-built barn, throwing a large portion of the roof over 100 yards. Numerous boards were impaled into the ground, and some metal sheeting was thrown 200 yards. The tornado also caused extensive tree damage in a forested area.
The NWS continues to monitor and assess the damage caused by these tornadoes. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions during severe weather events. The community’s resilience and support for one another are crucial in the recovery process.
Source: WHAS11, National Weather Service
