Severe weather, including at least five tornadoes, struck western and eastern Kentucky on Saturday, causing severe damage in several counties and compelling Gov. Andy Beshear to issue a State of Emergency declaration for the entire commonwealth.
The National Weather Service (NWS) says the five confirmed tornadoes hit the following areas: An EF-1 twister with winds up to 85 miles per hour struck in Warren County (NWS tornado damage assessors continue to survey Warren County); an EF-1 tornado with winds up to 110 mph hit Union City, in Madison County; an EF-1 tornado with winds up to 95 mph touched down northwest of Glasgow; an EF-1 twister with winds between 105 and 110 mph landed in Campbellsville; and the strongest twister, an EF-2 with winds up to 115 mph, struck Hopkinsville.
Additionally, the NWS says “possible tornadoes” touched down in Russellville, Marion County, Green County, and Metcalfe County. Damage assessments continue in those areas and the number of confirmed tornadoes is likely to rise.
No fatalities or injuries have been reported.
Local State of Emergency Declarations are in effect in Casey, Clay, Floyd, Madison, Owsley, Pike and Taylor counties due to severe weather and flooding. At least seven landslides have been reported in eastern Kentucky as well as roads being washed out. Officials said a bridge embankment was destroyed in Owsley County.
To read Saturday the governor’s State of Emergency declaration, click here.
(Headline photo: Tornado near Smiths Grove on Saturday)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
