NWS Confirms EF1 Tornado Struck Hardin County Fairgrounds in Kenton

The National Weather Service Wilmington has confirmed that a brief EF1 tornado touched down just south of Kenton at the Hardin County Fairgrounds on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

The tornado produced peak winds estimated near 90 mph, snapping several wooden power poles, lifting support poles on a barn structure, and causing roof damage to multiple buildings. One hardwood tree was also completely snapped.

The tornado’s path was short, measuring roughly 0.13 miles long and 75 yards wide, with no reported injuries or fatalities. The final damage was concentrated along the eastern side of the fairgrounds.

This event occurred during a larger cluster of storms moving through northern and western Hardin County, which also caused power line and straight-line wind damage near Alger.

The National Weather Service thanked the Hardin County Emergency Management Agency for their assistance with the damage survey.

The tornado rating is preliminary and subject to change following final review.