National Weather ServiceKentuckyTornado WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Tornado Warnings in Kentucky
The National Weather Service issued 162 tornado warnings for Kentucky in 2025 and 97 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 13th most of any state. 2026 through September: 127, 50% above the average of 85 for those months in 2008-2025. Christian was covered most often (125 times since 2008).
How many tornado warnings does Kentucky get?
Every tornado warning that covered part of Kentucky. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 127 |
| 2025 | 162 |
| 2024 | 119 |
| 2023 | 97 |
| 2022 | 62 |
| 2021 | 72 |
| 2020 | 46 |
| 2019 | 52 |
| 2018 | 66 |
| 2017 | 46 |
| 2016 | 78 |
| 2015 | 47 |
| 2014 | 95 |
| 2013 | 74 |
| 2012 | 183 |
| 2011 | 243 |
| 2010 | 89 |
| 2009 | 126 |
| 2008 | 91 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christian | 125 | 25 | June 28, 2026 |
| Hopkins | 94 | 17 | April 28, 2026 |
| Trigg | 90 | 21 | August 20, 2026 |
| Graves | 88 | 27 | August 20, 2026 |
| Marshall | 85 | 35 | August 20, 2026 |
| Muhlenberg | 76 | 14 | July 21, 2026 |
| Calloway | 73 | 23 | August 20, 2026 |
| Caldwell | 72 | 23 | June 27, 2026 |
| Henderson | 71 | 25 | June 22, 2026 |
| Hardin | 69 | 25 | July 21, 2026 |
| McCracken | 69 | 30 | August 20, 2026 |
| Grayson | 67 | 14 | July 21, 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 tornado warnings for Kentucky in AreaZine's record
NWS PaducahWarningAugust 20, 2026
Tornado Warning: Calloway, Graves and Marshall, KY
Expired 1:00 a.m. CDT, August 20, 2026
NWS CharlestonWarningAugust 11, 2026
Tornado Warning: Carter and Lawrence, KY
Expired 5:45 p.m. EDT, August 11, 2026
NWS JacksonWarningAugust 11, 2026
Tornado Warning: Elliott, Fleming, Morgan and 1 more, KY
Expired 5:30 p.m. EDT, August 11, 2026
NWS WilmingtonWarningAugust 11, 2026
Tornado Warning: Lewis, KY
Expired 5:30 p.m. EDT, August 11, 2026
NWS WilmingtonWarningAugust 11, 2026
Tornado Warning: Grant and Pendleton, KY
Expired 4:45 p.m. EDT, August 11, 2026
NWS WilmingtonWarningAugust 11, 2026
Tornado Warning: Dearborn, Franklin, Ripley and 2 more, IN and KY
Expired 3:30 p.m. EDT, August 11, 2026
NWS WilmingtonWarningAugust 1, 2026
Tornado Warning: Switzerland, Boone, Gallatin and 2 more, IN and KY
Expired 8:30 p.m. EDT, August 1, 2026
NWS JacksonWarningJuly 28, 2026
Tornado Warning: Martin and Pike, KY
Expired 8:15 a.m. EDT, July 28, 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 tornado warning?
The NWS issues a tornado warning when a tornado has been seen or weather radar indicates one in the warned area. Warnings are drawn as polygons around the storm's path and usually last 30 to 60 minutes. 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.