The catastrophic damage and death caused by the worst tornado event in the history of Kentucky is still being assessed as thousands of homes have been leveled in the commonwealth with several cities, both big and small, suffering nearly complete devastation.
There are entire blocks of neighborhoods that simply disappeared into the winds of at least four tornadoes that struck Kentucky. The “primary” tornado was on the ground for about 227 miles in Kentucky alone. The twister formed in Arkansas and traveled through Missouri and Tennessee before entering Kentucky, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS says the tornado was on the ground for 250 miles in total and could be the longest-track tornado in U.S. history.
“I believe this will ultimately be the longest tornado in U.S. history from the point where it (originally) touched down to where it finally picked back up,” Gov. Andy Beshear said at a press conference early Sunday evening from what is left of Mayfield. “Nothing in the path of this tornado was left standing.”
The NWS is undertaking the arduous task of surveying the widespread damage, a task that will take several more days or perhaps even weeks to complete, as at least 18 counties experienced damage ranging from complete destruction to comparatively minor damage.
Over 300 Kentucky National Guard members have been activated and are providing search and rescue efforts and debris removal, as well as performing law enforcement duties, Beshear said. Federal and state search and rescue teams are also on the ground in multiple counties.
Several FEMA officials have arrived in Graves County, home to the completely devastated city of Mayfield. Kentucky received an Immediate Federal Disaster declaration, opening the pipeline to a wide array of federal government assistance.
The Kentucky Division of Forestry, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Emergency Management, the Red Cross and other state, county and federal agencies, including the FBI, are assisting in the most devastated areas locating those killed as well as survivors, clearing roadways, reestablishing drinkable water, reestablishing power, and providing shelter for the thousands of people left without homes.
Many of Kentucky’s state parks are offering shelter for displaced victims, Beshear said. Those parks include Lake Barkley, Barren River Lake, Kentucky Dam Village, Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Audubon State Park, and Pennyrile State Park.
Beshear noted Sunday evening that over 18,000 donations have been received at the Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund from U.S. citizens totaling more than $2.3 million to aid and assist the residents of Kentucky.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of love from people from other states,” Beshear said.
To donate to the Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, click here.
Death toll rising
The death toll from the tornadoes is far from complete, but 63 tornado-related deaths have been confirmed as of Sunday evening, with that number expected to rise to over 100 fatalities.
Rescuers continue to search the wreckage left by the collapse of the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory, which was leveled by an EF-3 tornado (it’s possible the strength of the tornado could be upgraded). Originally, it was thought 110 people were working inside the facility when the twister struck. Company officials now say the number of people inside the factory was potentially far fewer, according to Beshear.
So far, officials said eight people working in the candle factory were killed, with eight people missing. Forty people have been rescued from the rubble, but no live rescues have been made since Saturday afternoon at 3:30.
Company spokesman Bob Ferguson said more than 90 of the candle factories employees have been located, as it appears many of the people working left the factory prior to the tornado leveling the plant.
Deaths due to the tornadoes are mounting, but as of Sunday night the following are confirmed deaths in Kentucky:
- The Graves County Coroner’s Office said Sunday morning that “at least 20 people are confirmed dead.”
- In Dawson Springs, in Hopkins County, there are 13 confirmed deaths. One of the Hopkins County deaths was a five-year-old child
- In Warren County, Coroner Kevin Kirby says 12 people were killed by the tornado that leveled many neighborhoods. An unconfirmed report indicates a baby was killed after being struck in the head by flying debris.
- In Bremen, in Muhlenberg County, at least 12 people have died, with one of the victims five-months-old.
- An elderly woman was killed in Taylor County.
- In Caldwell County, at least four people were killed.
- One death has been confirmed in Fulton County, in far western Kentucky.
(Headline photo: Drone footage snippet of damage in Bowling Green)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
