National Weather ServiceKentuckySevere Thunderstorm WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Kentucky
The National Weather Service issued 823 severe thunderstorm warnings for Kentucky in 2025 and 608 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 15th most of any state. 2026 through September: 617, 8% above the average of 571 for those months in 2008-2025. Breathitt was covered most often (561 times since 2008).
How many severe thunderstorm warnings does Kentucky get?
Every severe thunderstorm warning that covered part of Kentucky. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 617 |
| 2025 | 823 |
| 2024 | 577 |
| 2023 | 788 |
| 2022 | 585 |
| 2021 | 292 |
| 2020 | 385 |
| 2019 | 435 |
| 2018 | 573 |
| 2017 | 523 |
| 2016 | 618 |
| 2015 | 668 |
| 2014 | 508 |
| 2013 | 402 |
| 2012 | 943 |
| 2011 | 987 |
| 2010 | 583 |
| 2009 | 719 |
| 2008 | 527 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Kentucky get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Kentucky?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breathitt | 561 | 166 | August 22, 2026 |
| Laurel | 516 | 151 | September 22, 2026 |
| Clay | 505 | 146 | August 23, 2026 |
| Morgan | 496 | 138 | September 21, 2026 |
| Hardin | 490 | 116 | August 22, 2026 |
| Breckinridge | 486 | 121 | August 17, 2026 |
| Magoffin | 472 | 130 | September 21, 2026 |
| Jackson | 452 | 132 | September 18, 2026 |
| Owsley | 452 | 136 | September 18, 2026 |
| Perry | 448 | 120 | September 4, 2026 |
| Lee | 446 | 130 | September 18, 2026 |
| Meade | 438 | 116 | August 17, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
The latest severe thunderstorm warnings for Kentucky in AreaZine's record
NWS JacksonWarningSeptember 21, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski and 1 more, KY
Expired 9:45 p.m. EDT, September 21, 2026
NWS JacksonWarningSeptember 21, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Johnson, Magoffin and Morgan, KY
Expired 7:45 p.m. EDT, September 21, 2026
NWS CharlestonWarningSeptember 21, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Boyd, Carter, Greenup and 1 more, KY
Expired 5:30 p.m. EDT, September 21, 2026
NWS WilmingtonWarningSeptember 20, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Lewis and Scioto, KY and OH
Expired 5:15 p.m. EDT, September 20, 2026
NWS PaducahWarningSeptember 9, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Caldwell, Christian, Lyon and 1 more, KY
Expired 5:00 p.m. CDT, September 9, 2026
NWS WilmingtonWarningSeptember 5, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Switzerland, Boone, Gallatin and 2 more, IN and KY
Expired 9:45 p.m. EDT, September 5, 2026
NWS LouisvilleWarningSeptember 5, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Barren, Edmonson and Warren, KY
Expired 9:30 p.m. CDT, September 5, 2026
NWS WilmingtonWarningSeptember 5, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Bracken, Mason and Robertson, KY
Expired 5:45 p.m. EDT, September 5, 2026
This list is AreaZine's record of the NWS alert feed, kept since April 6, 2026; the counts above come from the complete IEM archive.
Source: National Weather Service alerts (api.weather.gov).
What is a severe thunderstorm warning?
A severe thunderstorm warning means a storm is producing, or is about to produce, hail one inch across or larger and/or winds of 58 mph or more. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in Kentucky.