The National Weather Service conducted a storm assessment survey across eastern Adair County from storms that occurred on Thursday, May 26. The survey team found straight line winds of 80 to 85 mph, with one small area showing a distinct microburst off Raines Road of 80 mph.
The initial damage was just south of the Cumberland Parkway along White Oak Church Road. A few trees were down or snapped. Wind speeds in this area were 65 mph.
The damage increased along the Cumberland Parkway with trees apparently blocking the Parkway on Thursday afternoon. There was extensive damage, both softwood and hardwood trees, all along Freedom Church Road. Trees were uprooted, snapped, and partially torn.
Some sections of several maple and cedar trees were ripped off and thrown 20 to 25 yards. Trampolines and lawn furniture were thrown and scattered about. Wind speeds were between 75 and 80 mph.
There was significant tree damage by radio station WHVE 92.7. Several poplar and maple trees were uprooted, and part of a well-built barn had its roof ripped off and thrown into a nearby pond. Power lines and power poles were knocked down. On the north side of Russell Springs Road, across from the radio station, a residential property had dozens of trees down and one tree was on top of the roof. All of the trees were facing to the north, or slightly off north. Wind speeds were between 75 and 80 mph.
A home near the intersection of Wheat Road and Raines Road had part of its roof ripped open from a tree falling on it. Along Raines Road a 14,000 pound travel trailer was picked up and moved 40 feet. Here was also significant tree damage especially with maple and cedar trees. Wind speeds were estimated between 80 and 85 mph.
At the very end of Raines Road, drone video photography showed a microburst, with dozens of trees pushed out in all directions. Winds were estimated to be 80 mph.
Further north along Gentry Mills Road there was sporadic tree damage. All of the damage was facing off to the north. Wind speeds were estimated to be 65 to 70 mph.
The survey team reached out to the emergency managers in the counties of Lincoln, Casey, Russell, Garrard, and Madison, and none reported any significant damage beyond a few trees and limbs down here and there.
The National Weather Service would like to thank Weather Ready Nation Ambassador Daniel Wilson, Adair County Emergency Manager Mike Keltner, and storm chaser John Humphreys with their assistance on the storm survey.
