2009 Super Derecho

2009 derecho striking the Southern Midwest of the USA March 2026 May 2025 February 2025 2009 Super Derecho Swilmcv3.png A screenshot from the Paducah, Kentucky, radar of the mesoscale convective vortex portion of the derecho near Carbondale, Illinois. This screenshot is from the approximate time the 106 mph km/h on wind gust was recorded at the Southern Illinois Airport. May 8, 2009 39 confirmed EF3 15 hours, 28 minutes (tornado outbreak) Four direct, two indirect Novara Chuck Friday's Storms Claim One Marion, Illinois The Southern Illinoisan May 9, 2009 http://thesouthern.com/news/local/image_8076a1b8-1fb1-518b-85be-d4f3b38e6581.html April 10, 2010 One storm related death reported in the four states Wilson County, Kansas KOAM May 11, 2009 http://www.koamtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10327538 June 29, 2009 ~$500 millionStuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 5, 2009 NCDC Storm Events Database http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~storms https://web.archive.org/web/20110505093502/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwEvent~Storms May 5, 2011 dead mdy-all Severe weather sequence of May 2–8, 2009 and Tornadoes of 2009 Tornado outbreak and derecho of May 8, 2009 The tornado outbreak and derecho of May 8, 2009, colloquially known as the 2009 Super Derecho, was an extreme progressive derecho, tornado outbreak, and mesoscale convective vortex (MCV) event that struck southeastern Kansas, southern Missouri, and southwestern Illinois on May 8, 2009. Corfidi Stephen The "Super Derecho" of May 2009 http://www.spc.noaa.gov/misc/AbtDerechos/casepages/may82009page.htm#memphis NOAA Barjenbruch Brian Derecho!!! Winds Roar on May 8, 2009 National Weather Service Springfield, MO June 18, 2009 http://www.crh.noaa.gov/sgf/?n=vol14num3_page2 June 29, 2009 Thirty-nine tornadoes, including two of EF3 strength on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, were reported in addition to high non-tornadic winds associated with the derecho and MCV. Due to the abnormal shape of the storm on radar and the extremely strong winds, many called this an "inland hurricane." Skilling Tom Today's Ask Tom Why WGN-TV May 11, 2009 http://weblogs.wgntv.com/chicago-weather/tom-skilling-blog/2009/05/todays-ask-tom-why-1.html April 7, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110718035015/http://weblogs.wgntv.com/chicago-weather/tom-skilling-blog/2009/05/todays-ask-tom-why-1.html July 18, 2011Some residents of southern Illinois, in the tradition of giving female names to hurricanes, informally dubbed this storm "Ada May", in commemoration of its date, "eight o' May." Amos Dawn Report from Southern Illinois after severe storms http://www.ilym.org/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=54 Notably, this storm had a defined eye akin to a tropical storm, which occurred alongside intense sustained winds of 70–90 mph km/h at the surface level, not associated with the bowing convection typical of a derecho.https://www.spc.noaa.gov/misc/AbtDerechos/casepages/may82009page.htm "The 'Super Derecho' of May 2009 Storm Prediction Center A new proper class of storm, the "super derecho", has been used to describe this event after analysis in 2010.Israel Brett Huge Windstorm Spawns New Classification: 'Super Derecho' http://www.livescience.com/environment/super-derecho-storm-100907.html Imaginova Corporation 12 September 2010 LiveScience 19 September 2010 Embedded supercells produced hail up to baseball size in southern Missouri, a rare event in a derecho. A wind gust of 106 mph km/h on was recorded by a backup anemometer at the Southern Illinois Airport after official National Weather Service equipment failed. Updated: What was it that caused the May 8 windstorm? National Weather Service Paducah, KY May 19, 2009 http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pah/?n=southildamage June 29, 2009 This derecho was the last of a series of derechos that occurred at the beginning of May. Meteorological synopsis thumb|left|thumbtime=0:13|320px|Radar animation spanning the lifetime of the storm thumb|Satellite image of the Tornado outbreak and derecho of May 8, 2009, colloquially known as the 2009 Super Derecho. A complex of thunderstorms formed over northwestern Kansas overnight May 7 and into the early morning hours of May 8, before moving into south-central Kansas, where greater moisture and stronger upper-level winds were present. Jakub Chris Hayes Chance Billings Jerilyn Derecho causes significant wind damage across southern Kansas !! National Weather Service Wichita, KS May 9, 2009 http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ict/scripts/viewstory.php?STORY_NUMBER=2009050914 June 29, 2009 The cluster of storms began to evolve into a more organized derecho near Hutchinson, Kansas, where National Weather Service damage surveys found winds greater than 100 mph km/h on started, then continued through southern Missouri. Severe storms move through the Ozarks - May 8, 2009 National Weather Service Springfield, MO June 10, 2009 http://www.crh.noaa.gov/news/display_cmsstory.php?wfo=sgf&storyid=27308&source=2 June 29, 2009 While in southwestern Missouri, the derecho began to change; supercells began to embed within the line, and a wake low began to form in conjunction with a bookend vortex on the northern end of the derecho. As the derecho entered southeastern Missouri, the initial line associated began to weaken, but the MCV became increasingly pronounced on the northern end. May 8, 2009 Derecho National Weather Service Saint Louis, MO May 12, 2009 http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lsx/?n=05_08_2009 June 29, 2009 Many experts and NWS meteorologists considered this to be one of the worst derechos and MCVs in the past decade.Skilling Tom Derecho called one of the worst of the past decade WGN-TV May 8, 2009 http://weblogs.wgntv.com/chicago-weather/tom-skilling-blog/2009/05/derecho-called-one-of-the-wors.html June 29, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110718034931/http://weblogs.wgntv.com/chicago-weather/tom-skilling-blog/2009/05/derecho-called-one-of-the-wors.html July 18, 2011 The Storm Prediction Center issued two "particularly dangerous situation" severe thunderstorm watches Corfidi Storm Prediction Center PDS Severe Thunderstorm Watch 264 Storm Prediction Center May 8, 2009 http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/2009/ww0264.html June 29, 2009 Hart Storm Prediction Center PDS Severe Thunderstorm Watch 266 Storm Prediction Center May 8, 2009 http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/2009/ww0266.html June 29, 2009 and a vividly worded tornado watch, mentioning the possibility of winds in excess of 105 mph km/h on. Hales Storm Prediction Center Tornado Watch 267 Storm Prediction Center May 8, 2009 http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/2009/ww0267.html June 29, 2009 Local National Weather Service offices in Springfield, Missouri, and Paducah, Kentucky, also issued strongly worded severe thunderstorm warnings, with precautionary statements similar to those used in tornado warnings. IEM Valid time extent code (VTEC) app Iowa Environmental Mesonet May 8, 2009 http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/vtec/#2009-O-NEW-KSGF-SV-W-0128 June 29, 2009 IEM Valid time extent code (VTEC) app Iowa Environmental Mesonet May 8, 2009 http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/vtec/#2009-O-NEW-KPAH-SV-W-0103 June 29, 2009 As both the initial squall line and MCV weakened, very little severe weather was reported between southern Illinois and central Kentucky. SPC storm reports for May 8, 2009 Storm Prediction Center May 18, 2009 http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/090508_rpts.html July 4, 2009 However, as the weakening squall line encountered higher instability and more favorable upper-level winds, the line split into several supercells in a process still not fully understood; Patrick Spoden R. Przybylinski C. Wielgos R. Shanklin Sampling Issues Associated with the Evansville Tornado and other nearby Supercells on the Early Morning of 6 November 2005: Challenges to Operational Forecasters American Meteorological Society November 10, 2006 St. Louis, Missouri http://ams.confex.com/ams/23SLS/techprogram/paper_115287.htm July 4, 2009 these storms produced several tornadoes in central Kentucky, eastern Tennessee, southwestern Virginia, and northwestern North Carolina. Long-lived supercell thunderstorms on May 8, 2009 National Weather Service Morristown, TN May 9, 2009 http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mrx/svrevnts/may09tornadoes/may09tornado.php July 4, 2009 While no longer producing severe weather itself, the MCV continued to enhance thunderstorms early the next morning across southeastern Virginia before finally moving out into the Atlantic Ocean. Corfidi Storm Prediction Center Tornado Watch 279 Storm Prediction Center May 9, 2009 http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/2009/ww0279.html April 10, 2010 Other similar events Despite it at first seeming extremely rare, further research has found that similar storms have occurred previously. One case, which occurred in North Carolina on April 15, 1999, produced a killer tornado and a 165 mph km/h on wind gust, although this may have been associated with a tornado. The North Carolina Tornadocane (SPC Cool Image) Storm Prediction Center April 11, 2006 http://www.spc.noaa.gov/coolimg/nc_storm/index.html April 10, 2010 April 12, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100412135220/http://www.spc.noaa.gov/coolimg/nc_storm/index.html dead April 15, 1999 Eastern North Carolina Tornadocane https://www.weather.gov/mhx/Apr151999EventReview National Weather Service Forecast Office, Newport/Norehead City, N. Carolina July 21, 2022 Another heavily studied event in northern Pennsylvania on July 21, 2003, also resulted in several tornadoes. MCS with Eye - July 21, 2003 Hydrometeorological Prediction Center March 1, 2007 http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/research/roth/landcane.html April 10, 2010 However, these events lasted for a much shorter period of time and were significantly smaller; numerical modeling has shown that an average bookend vortex is only 12 nmi km on across, while the May 2009 storm reached up to 40 nmi km on in diameter. Confirmed tornadoes 40 9 18 11 2 0 0 yes May 8 event List of reported tornadoes - Friday, May 8, 2009 EF# Location County Coord. Time (UTC) Path length SummaryMissouri EF1E of PilgrimDade37 22 N 93 45 W Pilgrim (May 8, EF1)12532 mi kmBrief tornado damaged several trees and outbuildings along an intermittent path.National Climatic Data Center 2009 July 4, 2011 Missouri Event Report: EF1 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~761897August 2026 InternetArchiveBot EF1Republic areaGreene37 06 N 93 30 W Republic (May 8, EF1)13054 mi kmShort-lived tornado tracked through downtown Republic, damaging about 50 structures. Losses from the storm reached $1 million.National Climatic Data Center 2009 July 4, 2011 Missouri Event Report: EF1 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~762390August 2026 InternetArchiveBot EF1NW of Springfield-Branson National AirportGreene37 15 N 93 23 W Springfield Airport (May 8, EF1)13142 mi kmA brief tornado touched down near Springfield Airport, destroying a few outbuildings and heavily damaging a home. Losses from the storm reached $200,000.National Climatic Data Center 2009 July 4, 2011 Missouri Event Report: EF1 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~762391August 2026 InternetArchiveBot EF1NW of BrightonPolk37 28 N 93 22 W Brighton (May 8, EF1)13169 mi kmAn EF1 tornado damaged or destroyed several barns and outbuildings and caused moderate to severe damage to frame homes. Losses from the storm reached $2 million.National Climatic Data Center 2009 July 4, 2011 Missouri Event Report: EF1 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~762393August 2026 InternetArchiveBot EF0Ebenezer areaGreene37 19 N 93 19 W Ebenezer (May 8, EF0)13214 mi kmSeveral trees and outbuildings were damaged.National Climatic Data Center 2009 July 4, 2011 Missouri Event Report: EF0 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~762392August 2026 InternetArchiveBot EF1SE of Swan to SW of MerrittTaney, Christian, Douglas36 46 N 93 01 W Swan (May 8, EF1)132512 mi kmA 0.5 mi km on wide, relatively long-tracked tornado tracked for 12 mi km through three counties. The most severe damage took place in Christian County, where two homes were damaged, and several outbuildings were destroyed. Losses from the tornado reached $2.6 million.National Climatic Data Center 2009 July 4, 2011 Missouri Event Report: EF1 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~762072August 2026 InternetArchiveBot National Climatic Data Center 2009 July 4, 2011 Missouri Event Report: EF1 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~762394August 2026 InternetArchiveBot National Climatic Data Center 2009 July 4, 2011 Missouri Event Report: EF1 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~762395August 2026 InternetArchiveBot EF1E of FordlandWebster37 09 N 92 55 W Fordland (May 8, EF1)13384 mi kmA dairy farm lost its roof, a truck was lofted over a fence, and an outbuilding was destroyed.National Climatic Data Center 2009 July 4, 2011 Missouri Event Report: EF1 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~762292August 2026 InternetArchiveBot EF2W of GoodhopeDouglas36 54 N 92 49 W Goodhope (May 8, EF2)13392.5 mi kmA short-lived tornado tore the roof off a home and damaged numerous trees.National Climatic Data Center 2009 July 4, 2011 Missouri Event Report: EF2 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~762291August 2026 InternetArchiveBot EF2N of MerrittDouglas36 55 N 92 52 W Merritt (May 8, EF2)13392.5 mi kmA short-lived but very large 0.75 mi km on tornado damaged two homes and several outbuildings. Losses from the storm reached $200,000.National Climatic Data Center 2009 July 4, 2011 Missouri Event Report: EF2 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~761988August 2026 InternetArchiveBot EF2ESE of MarchDallas37 31 N 93 03 W March (May 8, EF2)13414 mi kmA 400 yd km on wide tornado made several touchdowns along a 4 mi km on path. Peaking at EF2 intensity with estimated winds of 130 mph km/h on, the tornado destroyed three framed houses and numerous outbuildings. Two people were injured and had to be transported to a local hospital; one died of a heart attack en route.National Climatic Data Center 2009 July 4, 2011 Missouri Event Report: EF2 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~762421August 2026 InternetArchiveBot EF1N of AvaDouglas37.00 -92.67 Ava (May 8, EF1)14001 mi kmA barn was destroyed, and a few homes suffered minor damage. EF1NW of HartvilleWright37.30 -92.55 Hartville (May 8, EF1)14023.5 mi kmSeveral outbuildings were destroyed, and numerous trees were uprooted. EF1SW of WasolaOzark36.76 -92.61 Wasola (May 8, EF1)14112 mi kmSeven outbuildings were destroyed, and three homes were damaged; intense tree damage was also noted. EF0ESE of Mountain GroveTexas37.12 -92.19 Mountain Grove (May 8, EF0)14223.5 mi kmSeveral buildings were damaged and numerous trees were uprooted. EF1WNW of Peace ValleyHowell36.89 -91.79 Peace Valley (May 8, EF1)14359 mi kmA few homes and numerous trees were damaged. EF2W of Mountain View to SE of SummersvilleHowell, Texas, Shannon37.00 -91.85 Mountain View (May 8, EF2)143521 mi kmA farmhouse was lifted and moved, injuring two people. Two auto shops and several homes and outbuildings were damaged or destroyed. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted. EF2SE of LebanonLaclede37.62 -92.59 Lebanon (May 8, EF2)14402.2 mi kmFour homes and several outbuildings were damaged. EF1ESE of HazeltonTexas37.50 -91.95 Hazelton (May 8, EF1)14443.5 mi kmOne barn was destroyed, and one mobile home lost its roof. EF2SW of Alley SpringShannon144512 mi kmSeveral buildings and a cabin at a sawmill were destroyed. Trees suffered extensive damage. EF3NW of PomonaHowell36.88 -91.93 Pomona (May 8, EF3)15002.2 mi kmOne house, one mobile home, one travel trailer, two outbuildings, and an auto shop were destroyed. Cars were tossed 40 to 50 yd away, and two school buses were blown over. EF0McBride areaPerry16202.2 mi kmDamage limited to trees; the tornado was caught on tape. EF1SE of FredericktownMadisonunknown0.5 mi km EF1N of EllingtonReynoldsunknown2 mi kmTwo homes had roof damage; trees suffered significant damage.Illinois EF1WSW of Du QuoinJackson37.95 -89.40 Du Quoin (May 8, EF1)16303 mi kmStructural damage to two barns, shingle damage to homes, power poles blown over, and dozens of trees were snapped or uprooted. EF1N of Thompsonville to NE of Crab OrchardFranklin, Williamson19455 mi kmTrees were damaged in a rural area. EF0N of RoyaltonFranklinunknownunknownA brief tornado touchdown was photographed.Kentucky EF1E of HisevilleBarren, Metcalfe37.11 -85.80 Hiseville (May 8, EF1)19044 mi kmThree outbuildings were destroyed, and one home and a pole barn were damaged. EF3S of RichmondGarrard, Madison, Estill37.68 -84.37 Richmond (May 8, EF3)2055at least 22 mi km2 deaths – Homes suffered severe damage. Several cars were flipped over. Five people were injured. EF0NW of IrvineEstill2123less than 0.25 mi kmTwo structures had metal roofing torn off. Several trees were knocked down, including one that damaged the porch of a home.Tennessee EF2SE of HuntsvilleScott22544.5 mi kmSeven homes were damaged, and a freestanding cellphone tower collapsed. EF2SW of TazewellClaiborneunknown2.2 mi kmTwo large barns were destroyed, and one home lost its roof. EF1NE of Thorn HillGrainger, Hancock36.40 -83.34 Thorn Hill (May 8, EF1)23363.5 mi kmBarns and outbuildings were damaged heavily, and several homes suffered roof damage. EF0S of GrayWashington36.40 -82.48 Gray (May 8, EF0)0045unknownTornado touchdown was reported by law enforcement, but no damage reported. EF0NW of EtowahMcMinnunknown0.1 mi kmA tornado briefly touched down, causing damage to several trees.Virginia EF0N of ClintwoodDickenson37 11 N 82 28 W Clintwood (May 8, EF0)01000.75 mi kmNumerous trees were uprooted, one of which fell on a mobile home. Two homes suffered minor roof damage.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 6, 2009 Virginia Event Report: EF0 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~760645August 2026 InternetArchiveBot EF2SE of PoundWise37 04 N 82 33 W01451.7 mi kmTwo trailers and several outbuildings were destroyed, and a third trailer was damaged.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 6, 2009 Virginia Event Report: EF2 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~759137August 2026 InternetArchiveBot EF0NW of LebanonRussell36 54 N 82 05 W02250.1 mi kmA tornado briefly touched down without any known impact.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 6, 2009 Virginia Event Report: EF0 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~759138August 2026 InternetArchiveBot EF2NE of LebanonRussell36 56 N 81 57 W02301.1 mi kmOne barn was destroyed, one home had moderate damage, and 100 trees were snapped or uprooted.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 6, 2009 Virginia Event Report: EF0 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~759139August 2026 InternetArchiveBot North Carolina EF2NW of EnniceAlleghany36 33 N 81 01 W Ennice (May 8, EF2)03445 mi kmA mobile home was destroyed, injuring four people. Five homes and several outbuildings were damaged, and cement silos were toppled, causing two additional injuries. Damages from the tornado amounted to $200,000.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 6, 2009 North Carolina Event Report: EF2 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~762123August 2026 InternetArchiveBot EF1SW of EnniceAlleghany36 33 N 81 00 W03460.25 mi kmThree outbuildings were destroyed, and one home and a pole barn were damaged.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 6, 2009 North Carolina Event Report: EF1 Tornado http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~762122August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Sources:National Weather Service Springfield, MO, National Weather Service St. Louis, MO, National Weather Service Paducah, KY, National Weather Service Louisville, KY, National Weather Service Jackson, KY, National Weather Service Morristown, TN Effects Kansas and southwestern Missouri right|thumb|Damage to a business in downtown Doniphan, Missouri on May 8, 2009 The initial squall line formed in central Kansas, to the northwest of Hutchinson. In Hutchinson, several airplanes were flipped at a local airport, and 21,000 people were left without power. A woman was killed in New Albany, Kansas, when her mobile home was blown forty feet off of its foundation. Storm shakes southeast, soaks Reno The Hutchinson News May 8, 2009 http://www.hutchnews.com/Todaystop/stormsfri July 2, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110609005443/http://www.hutchnews.com/Todaystop/stormsfri June 9, 2011 National Weather Service survey teams found that winds reached 120 mph km/h on in the area, which also resulted in the destruction of a church and the town's post office, in addition to damaging several homes. A total of 130 buildings were damaged in Cherokee, Kansas, including a high school gymnasium. Schools in several counties closed for the day, and a twenty-mile stretch of the Kansas Turnpike was closed for an hour due to flooding. The derecho continued to intensify as it reached southwestern Missouri, where the storm forced several television stations in Joplin, Missouri, off the air after their transmission towers were downed; one station's tower landed on its studios. Damage reports pour in from across the Ozarks Springfield, Missouri KYTV May 11, 2009 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/44588752.html July 3, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090511201448/http://www.ky3.com/news/local/44588752.html May 11, 2009 Numerous schools were damaged throughout the Springfield, Missouri, area, including a roof collapse at the Fair Grove High School, resulting in three injuries to students. There were numerous reports of tree and roof damage throughout Springfield, prompting some business to close. Drury University canceled some morning classes. A total of 346 buildings suffered some damage in Greene County, Missouri, and four people were injured, but none required hospitalization. Green County storm damage summary Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management May 8, 2009 http://www.greenecountymo.org/info/file/05-14-09.pdf July 4, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100619150212/http://greenecountymo.org/info/file/05-14-09.pdf June 19, 2010 A high school in Fair Grove suffered damage.Russell Linda 2018-05-08 Weather Vault: Staff of Fair Grove High School recalls devastating derecho on May 8, 2009 https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Staff-of-Fair-Grove-High-School-recalls-devastating-derecho--482106921.html 2023-08-15 www.ky3.com en Southeastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois right|thumb|Picture of an EF-0 tornado north of Royalton, Illinois, on May 8, 2009 As the initial line weakened, the mesoscale convective vortex on the northern end began to strengthen and separate from the squall line. A long-lived supercell formed within the MCV in Madison County, Missouri, producing hail up to baseball size and a few tornadoes, in addition to the more widespread, damaging, straight-line winds throughout the area. Numerous trees were knocked over from Shannon County, Missouri—near the Current and Jacks Fork rivers, in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserve—northward through the Mark Twain National Forest and other forested public conservation lands. Devastation was especially pronounced in the area west of Ironton, Missouri, around the popular Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park and the Bell Mountain Wilderness area. Over 50 miles of the long-distance Ozark Trail were damaged, requiring many months of repairs to rehabilitate. As the MCV crossed the Mississippi River and entered into more populated areas, it strengthened greatly, while it nearly separated from the initial line. Numerous buildings were severely damaged or destroyed throughout southern Illinois. Immediately after the MCV struck, Carbondale was reported to be virtually impassable due to the amount of debris on roadways. Marion, Murphysboro, Grand Tower, Johnston City, Herrin, Energy, and Carterville, Illinois, declared curfews and states of emergency due to power outages and the massive amounts of damage caused by the storms. Some of these cities were even left without water due to the power outages. Storm damage reports from around the Heartland KFVS-TV May 11, 2009 http://www.kfvs12.com/Global/story.asp?s=10328982 July 4, 2009 Breaking news: Storm damage WSIL-TV May 8, 2009 http://www.wsiltv.com/p/news_details.php?newsID=7431&type=top July 4, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110716095825/http://www.wsiltv.com/p/news_details.php?newsID=7431&type=top July 16, 2011 In the city of Carbondale, damage was estimated at US$3,000,000, excluding damage at Southern Illinois University. Officials deemed 34 buildings a "total loss" and reported that 3,000 trees were felled throughout the city. Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena - May 2009 National Weather Service Paducah, KY July 24, 2009 http://www.crh.noaa.gov/images/pah/pdf/pahmay09.pdf July 26, 2009 Preliminary estimates placed damages at Southern Illinois University in excess of US$5,000,000. Numerous buildings on campus sustained roof damage, and nearly 100 windows were blown out of residence halls. Due to infrastructure damage from the storm, most communication by land line and mobile phone was reported to be impossible. In Carterville, Illinois, officials found 17 buildings to be a total loss. The city's public works garage was shifted off its foundation, and the police station sustained damage. In Franklin County, Illinois, 13 buildings were deemed to be beyond repair; damage assessments found that 184 buildings received some kind of damage from the storm. Winds were estimated between 80 and 90 mph km/h on in the county. At one point, 68,000 people were left without power in southern Illinois alone, prompting unusual methods to restore power, such as using helicopters to clear debris and position power poles. May 12th: Williamson Co 10:00am News Update Williamson County, Illinois WSIL-TV May 12, 2009 http://www.wsiltv.com/p/news_details.php?newsID=7452&type=top July 4, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110716095838/http://www.wsiltv.com/p/news_details.php?newsID=7452&type=top July 16, 2011 Elsewhere left|thumb|Damage to home in a subdivision in Madison County, Kentucky, from an EF3 tornado on May 8, 2009. As the squall line continued east, it began to break apart into separate supercells; several of these supercells produced tornadoes. EF-3 Tornado in Garrard County and Madison County on May 8, 2009 National Weather Service Louisville, KY May 14, 2009 http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lmk/?n=may_8_2009_garrard_madison_tornado July 4, 2009 Brief EF-0 Tornado in Estill County on Friday, May 8 National Weather Service Jackson, KY May 12, 2009 http://www.crh.noaa.gov/news/display_cmsstory.php?wfo=jkl&storyid=27505&source=2 July 4, 2009 An EF3 tornado touched down in eastern Garrard County before tracking into southern Madison County, Kentucky; two people were killed in this tornado, five others were injured, and 150 homes were damaged. All of the injuries and deaths occurred in one mobile home near the intersection of KY 1295 and KY 52 in southern Madison County. Deadly tornado kills two, several others injured WKYT May 11, 2009 http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/44722082.html June 29, 2009 Most of the damaged homes were in a subdivision in the Waco area, just north of the Blue Grass Army Depot. One mobile phone bill from a damaged house was carried 35 mi km before coming to rest on the property of a National Weather Service employee. Flooding The squall line and associated convection resulted in significant flooding south of St. Louis, Missouri and in eastern Kentucky. Pictures from the May 8–9 flash flooding National Weather Service Jackson, Kentucky May 10, 2009 http://www.crh.noaa.gov/news/display_cmsstory.php?wfo=jkl&storyid=27871&source=2 July 4, 2009 Prior to becoming a mesocyclone, the system produced upwards of 4 in mm on of rain over parts of Kansas during the morning hours.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 5, 2009 Kansas Event Report: Flood http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~759422 In Rice County, high waters washed out several small bridges and low water crossings and damaged concrete structures, leaving roughly $340,000 in losses.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 5, 2009 Kansas Event Report: Flood http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~759425 In some places, rainfall reached 4 in mm on within a 30-minute span, leading to widespread street flooding. Up to ten drivers required rescue after their cars stalled in the flood waters.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 5, 2009 Kansas Event Report: Flood http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~759458 Flowing water over the Kansas Turnpike forced officials to shut down a 20 mi km on stretch of the highway for over an hour.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 5, 2009 Kansas Event Report: Flash Flood http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~761064 One person needed to be rescued in Lyon County after driving into a flooded street. Barricades were set up in some areas of the county due to rising waters.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 5, 2009 Kansas Event Report: Flash Flood http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~761067 In Reno County, four bridges sustained severe flood damage and another was destroyed. Damages to the bridges amounted to $500,000.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 5, 2009 Missouri Event Report: Flood http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~761444 In some places, schools canceled classes due to the heavy rainfall.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 6, 2009 Missouri Event Report: Flash Flood http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~761594 In parts of Missouri, up to 4 in mm on of rain fell in a short period of time, triggering flash flooding. Along Missouri Route 89, flood waters reached a depth of some 2 feet (60 cm.).Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 5, 2009 Missouri Event Report: Flash Flood http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~758564 Numerous side roads throughout several counties were closed due to flooding.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 5, 2009 Missouri Event Report: Flash Flood http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~758565 In Washington County, the Big River overflowed its banks and inundated a nearby highway.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 5, 2009 Missouri Event Report: Flash Flood http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~758568 More significant flooding took place in St. Francois County, where some homes had up to 8 ft m on of water in their basements and railroads were partially washed out.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 5, 2009 Missouri Event Report: Flash Flood http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~758569 A water rescue took place near the town of Bloomsdale.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 5, 2009 Missouri Event Report: Flash Flood http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~758570 Some of the most severe flooding took place in the town of Doniphan, in Ripley County, where 5.03 in mm on of rain fell in a 24-hour span. Ten people needed to be evacuated from their homes due to rising waters. The county courthouse and local high school sustained major water damage. At the school, all of the classrooms were flooded by up to 18 in mm on of water, and a nearby parking lot buckled under the water. Several other structures in the area were also inundated during the storm, and two people needed to be rescued from their vehicle, which was stalled in waist-deep water.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 5, 2009 Missouri Event Report: Flash Flood http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~760210 In Laclede County, severe flooding washed out low-lying roads and drainage culverts.Stuart Hinson National Climatic Data Center 2009 September 5, 2009 Missouri Event Report: Flash Flood http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~762774 Aftermath On July 2, 2009, President Barack Obama declared a major disaster in Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Randolph, Saline, and Williamson counties in Illinois; Dolph A. Diemont was named as the Federal Emergency Management Agency coordinating officer for the area. FEMA also stated that further disaster declarations were possible as requested by the state. Politico Staff W.H. reacts to Illinois storms The Politico July 2, 2009 http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/0709/disaster_declaration_be865427-72d8-4cfe-a6cb-f6f8a1d5c637.html https://archive.today/20130131170610/http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/0709/disaster_declaration_be865427-72d8-4cfe-a6cb-f6f8a1d5c637.html dead January 31, 2013 July 2, 2009 Missouri Governor Jay Nixon requested federal assistance for 46 counties in Missouri; damage in those counties was estimated to exceed US$48,700,000. Governor seeks help for 46 Missouri counties Jefferson City, Missouri Associated Press via KYTV May 28, 2009 http://www.ky3.com/news/local/46406072.html https://web.archive.org/web/20200919024815/https://www.ky3.com/news/local/46406072.html dead September 19, 2020 July 3, 2009 On November 30, 2009, Senator Claire McCaskill announced that the State Emergency Management Agency of Missouri would receive $1,228,208.25 in federal grant money to cover the state's costs in "administering and managing" FEMA Public Assistance grants. In addition, it was announced that the Citizens Electric Corporation would receive a $1,395,201.46 grant to offset costs incurred in repairing infrastructure in Perry, Sainte Genevieve, and Cape Girardeau counties. Missouri Awarded $2.6 Million for Storm Damage Repair KFVS-TV November 30, 2009 http://www.kfvs12.com/Global/story.asp?S=11593727 November 30, 2009 See also Weather List of North American tornadoes and tornado outbreaks May 2009 derecho series List of derecho events References 2 External links National Weather Service Paducah, KY summary National Weather Service Springfield, MO summary National Weather Service Saint Louis, MO summary National Weather Service Wichita, KS summary National Weather Service Louisville, KY summary National Weather Service Blacksburg, VA summary National Weather Service Morristown, TN summary NBC Chicago slideshow of damage in Carbondale 2009-05-08 2009-05-08 2009-05-08 2009-05-08 2009-05-08 2009-05-08 2009-05-08 05-08 Category:2009 natural disasters in the United States Category:Derechos in the United States Category:Articles containing video clips Category:May 2009 in the United States 2009-05-08