Tornadoes, storms wreak havoc across Western Kentucky
Many Kentuckians are waking up to major damage from last night’s storms, in some cases catastrophic. At least four tornadoes made their way across the state last night, the western part of the state being the hardest hit. In a press conference late last night, Governor Andy Beshear said the death toll is likely 70-100, but as the sun comes up and the damage is revealed, there is fear that it could be many more. Over 50,000 Kentuckians are currently without power.
The city of Mayfield and surrounding Graves County were devastated. A roof at a candle factory collapsed with 110 people inside. Crews are working to find people in the rubble, which is reportedly 15-20 feet tall. Beshear declared a state of emergency last night and activated 181 members of the Kentucky National Guard. The tornado that hit Mayfield is believed to have traveled 227 miles, crossing four states. The footage of the damage is surreal and sickening.
Another tornado hit Bowling Green. Western Kentucky’s commencement was scheduled for today but has been postponed due to damage and power outages. A WKU student set to graduate today died during the storms, the school confirmed this morning. According to Beshear, counties with reported damage include Fulton, Hickman, Graves, Marshall, Lyon, Caldwell, Hopkins, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Breckinridge, Owen, Spencer, Shelby, Christian, Logan, Warren, Edmonson, Taylor, and Marion.
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by these storms. Just heartbreaking.
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