February 5-6, 2008, Mercer County

Gusty Winds in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast; Atmospheric River to Impact the Northwest

Gusty winds are expected from portions of the Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast through the night following the system that brought rain to the area. An atmospheric river will move into the Northwest late today into Saturday bringing moderate to heavy rainfall, mountain snow, windy conditions, and high surf to the area over the weekend. Read More >

EF-1 Tornado

Path length: 1 mile

Path width: 350 yards

Injuries: 0

Deaths: 0

Touchdown: 1:20am EST

Liftoff: 1:22am EST

As the tornado touched down on the east side of Harrodsburg it collapsed three walls of a warehouse. Near the intersection of KY 152 and Mac Court extensive tree damage occurred. Metal sheeting was found in trees. A large tree fell on a house and power lines, and that same house had its garage destroyed. A small branch was driven into the side of a car and a chimney was knocked down from a house. Near KY 152 and Montrose Street the roof of a factory was blown in and extensive tree damage occurred.

In addition to the tornado, there was also widespread straight-line wind damage across Mercer County. The north side of the roof of the county fairgrounds building collapsed. Extensive structural damage happened at the James B. Haggin Memorial Hospital where roofing material was peeled off and a chimney was knocked down. Numerous trees were uprooted and shingles were peeled off a church with wind speeds of 75 mph. Near the intersection of Childs Street and Mooreland Street an old two-story apartment building had part of its west-facing wall blown out by 85 mph winds (see picture below).