Majority of County Escapes Storm Danger: Warren/Edmonson Line Sees Significant Damage

WRECC Says More Than 20K Without Power

A broken utility pole rests near two wrecked cars on 31-W near the Edmonson/Warren County line.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
The aftermath of an EF-3 tornado that slammed Bowling Green in the early hours of the morning made its way through the northern part of Warren County and the southeastern corner of Edmonson County on Saturday, December 11, 2021.

While the large majority of Edmonson County had little or no damage, downed power lines from snapped utility poles and damaged substations caused road closures and power outages in the southern and western parts of the county.

The entire route of 31W in the northern portion of Warren County saw significant damage with many homes, barns, and trees mangled. Debris was scattered over hundreds of acres of farmland in the area. Among those hit the worst were Ballance Farms and Buttram Farms, with major damage taken on from the storm.

The National Weather Service in Louisville confirmed the EF-3 tornado that blasted Bowling Green earlier. Areas among those that were damaged worst were Russellville Road and 31W-Bypass, with several businesses sustaining major damage or being completely leveled. Winds were reported of 150mph.

Multiple fatalities have already been reported in Bowling Green and Warren County; however, no official details have yet to be reported.

WRECC reported over 22,000 customers without power this morning. US 31W was closed for a large section near KY 101 north into Edmonson County and 101 south headed toward Smiths Grove.

While a majority of businesses in Smiths Grove and other areas near Bowling Green saw no damage, many were closed due to power outages.

Edmonson Voice Meteorologist Landon Hampton from weatherornotbg.com, tracked the storm all through the night and provided real-time updates and warnings from their website and social media accounts. Local TV stations were forced off the air during the worst part of the storm.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office was out early assessing the damage. Sheriff Shane Doyle discussed what he saw.

"God was good to us again," he said. "Thankfully, this storm just clipped a portion of our county and we only saw a little damage. We send out our prayers to our friends in Warren County and around the state for the help they need."

The majority of the damage in Edmonson County was reported as trees and limbs down, some barn damage, and a few outbuildings that were battered.

Kentucky State Police was also out helping with road closures and providing help throughout the night.

Doyle asked for those that had plans to go to Warren County or Bowling Green today to please reconsider if not absolutely necessary.

"There is so much damage in Bowling Green and the region. Please stay clear of that area so that emergency personnel can properly do their jobs. This is an extremely difficult time for them right now."