Event narrative (NOAA)
The tornado first touched down near the community of Rome, just southwest of Owensboro, and entered the city near the southern boundary of Owensboro Airport. The tornado tracked northeast through the heart of Owensboro before dissipating on the east side of town. Peak winds were estimated at 180 MPH. Since the tornado path was mostly through densely populated residential and commercial areas, damage was in the tens of millions, but injuries were surprisingly few. Of the 18 injuries, one was critical, and the rest were relatively minor. The critically injured person was in a home near the beginning of the damage path. This person sustained broken vertebrae and numerous cuts and bruises. Owensboro landmarks heavily damaged by the tornado included Apollo High School, Kentucky Wesleyan Colle
Other notable tornado events in Kentucky
Source: NOAA/NCEI Storm Events Database. Deaths and injuries are those NOAA classifies as direct. Damage is the reporting office's estimate at the time and is not inflation-adjusted. This is a catalogue record, not a forecast.