EF-1 tornado confirmed in Lincoln and Garrard counties from the early morning hours of April 3rd

PREACHERSVILLE, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — The Louisville National Weather Service Office survey team has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down early Thursday morning in Lincoln and Garrard Counties, leaving a nearly 9-mile path of damage across the region.

The tornado formed around 3:07 a.m. EDT on April 3rd, just southwest of Rowland in Lincoln County, and remained on the ground until 3:15 a.m., lifting just east of Preachersville in Garrard County. The storm packed peak wind gusts of 95 mph and reached a maximum width of 90 yards. No injuries or fatalities were reported. This was the first tornado reported in Lincoln County since 2011 and the first for Garrard County since 2018.

Damage Overview
The tornado first touched down near the intersection of US Highway 27 South and KY Highway 698 just south of Lincoln County High School, where it collapsed a barn and brought down several softwood trees. As it tracked south of Rowland, additional trees were topped. The storm strengthened near Stingy Creek Road, where it uprooted trees.

Crossing into Garrard County, the storm intensified in the Preachersville community. Several outbuildings were either moved or destroyed, fence posts were ripped out of the ground and twisted, and fencing was scattered across Highway 39. A single-family home suffered minor roof and gutter damage. Multiple barns sustained damage, with metal sheeting torn apart by the winds.

The tornado weakened as it approached the Fall Lick Road and Drakes Creek Road area, where it finally lifted. In its final moments, it brought down large tree limbs and caused minor damage to nearby barns.

This is a reminder that even lower-end tornadoes can pack a punch, especially when they strike during the overnight hours. Stay weather aware, especially during active spring severe weather seasons.