It seems like Kentucky has been plagued with natural disasters over the past few years, from flooding to tornadoes and ice storms, but is that true and how does it compare to other states?
From floods and tornadoes to crippling ice storms, Kentucky has endured a relentless string of billion-dollar weather disasters. Since 2020, FEMA has issued 13 disaster declarations for the Bluegrass State — a staggering total in just a few years.
While other states have experienced even sharper increases in natural disasters, Kentucky’s location makes the state susceptible to almost every type of destructive weather. Straddling both Tornado Alley and the western Appalachians, the state is prone to damaging severe weather as well as winter weather. Its rugged hills and winding rivers also make it naturally prone to frequent—and often severe—flooding.
130 Tornadoes in 4 years
Between 2020 and 2023, Kentucky recorded 130 tornadoes—including one EF4 and five EF3 storms…