National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Flooding Risks from Tropical Moisture Across the Southeast and Southwest

Tropical moisture from Isaias and Rachel will impact portions of the Southeast and Southwest this weekend. Flash flooding, strong winds and even a threat for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible. Meanwhile, strong winds and dry fuels are raising fire weather concerns across the central Great Basin and western High Plains. Across the northern Rockies, first winter storm of the season. Read More >

There were two major storm systems to affect the region during December 2023. The first was on a 9th when severe storms developed ahead of a cold front. A long-track EF-3 tornado touched down near Clarksville, TN and stayed on the ground for 48 miles into central Kentucky southwest of Bowling Green. Small, brief EF-1 tornadoes touched down on Bowling Green's south side and south of Tompkinsville. There was almost no other severe weather in central Kentucky outside of these three tornadoes.

The other significant event of the month took place on the 18th when cold air and an unstable atmosphere resulted in widespread snow showers and a few snow squalls. Frankfort experienced a snow squall that reduced visibility to 1/4 mile in heavy snow with winds gusting to 42 mph. Another squall crossed Interstate 75 in Madison County and briefly reduced visibility to near zero.

 

  Average Temperature Departure from Normal Precipitation Departure from Normal Snow Departure from Normal
Bowling Green 44.3° +3.8° 2.15" -2.20" 0 -0.8"
Frankfort 42.0° +3.9° 2.07" -1.70"    
Lexington 43.9° +6.1° 2.44" -1.76" T -1.9"
Louisville Ali 45.1° +5.5° 1.86" -2.27" 0.1" -2.1"
Louisville Bowman 42.6° +3.8° 1.77" -2.11"    

 

Records

9th warmest December on record at Lexington and Louisville
10th warmest December on record at Frankfort

 

Snowy traffic on Interstate 75 near Richmond, KY on December 18, 2023

Dangerous conditions along I-75 on the 18th.