ARCHIVES: In 1996, F4 tornado causes massive damage in and around Bullitt County
It was May 28, 1996. A severe thunderstorm developed about 60 miles to the west of Louisville over southwestern Indiana.
As the storm moved southeast, it quickly organized into a supercell producing strong winds and large hail along its path.
As the storm moved across Harrison County, Indiana, the storm further intensified and started rapidly rotating producing a tornado just south of Corydon, Indiana.
The tornado was on the ground for a continuous 10 miles producing F2 damage along its path.
This tornado dissipated but the storm maintained its severity as it crossed over the Ohio River and moved into southwestern Jefferson County, Kentucky. After dropping hail the size of quarters near Valley Station, another tornado developed over the Jefferson County Memorial Forest and caused extensive tree damage as it moved southeast.
The tornado quickly grew in size and strength as it churned its way into northern Bullitt County. The communities of Brooks, Hillview and Mount Washington were especially hard hit as many people reported the tornado as having multiple vortices spinning around the larger parent tornado.
The F3/F4 tornado caused massive destruction to homes and businesses across northern Bullitt County and was responsible for over $100,000,000 in damages. The tornado next marched its way across Spencer County where it produced F3 damage.
After being on the ground for a continuous 30 miles and producing a damage path that was at times ½ mile wide, the tornado finally dissipated just to the east of Taylorsville, Kentucky.
Although 10 people were injured that early evening, thanks to quick and effective warnings and quick public action, there were no fatalities.