Frankfort, Kentucky – A deadly storm system wreaked havoc across Kentucky over the Memorial Day weekend, bringing multiple tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail to various parts of the state.
Governor Andy Beshear revealed during a press conference on Monday the extensive damage caused by the storms, with reports of significant destruction to homes and businesses in western and central Kentucky. Tragically, the storms resulted in the deaths of four individuals in Kentucky and critically injured a fifth person.
The affected communities, particularly in western and central Kentucky, were hit the hardest by the severe weather. The victims included a 67-year-old woman in Mercer County, a 62-year-old woman in Hardin County, a 48-year-old woman in Hopkins County, and a 34-year-old man in Jefferson County.
Numerous counties and cities in Kentucky declared states of emergency in response to the storm, including Bullitt, Caldwell, Clay, Clinton, Hopkins, Knox, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, McLean, Muhlenberg, Simpson, Todd, and Trigg. Cities such as Albany, Cadiz, Dawson Springs, Manchester, and Russellville also declared states of emergency. Additionally, Governor Beshear activated the state’s price gouging statute.
The National Weather Service initiated damage surveys following reports of multiple tornadoes on Sunday evening, with one tornado traveling over 70 miles and another path identified in southern Illinois. Authorities anticipate surveying tornado tracks in Indiana and Missouri as well.
Thousands of Kentuckians were left without power at the peak of the outages, with over 215,000 residents affected. Governor Beshear assured that power restoration efforts were underway, with larger cities expected to regain power sooner while Trigg County faced challenges due to significant infrastructure damage.
For those in need of shelter or assistance in the aftermath of the storms, local county emergency officials or designated shelters are available resources. Emergency shelters like the Crawdad Sizemore Community Center in Clay County and Pennyrile State Resort Park in Hopkins County are open to survivors requiring assistance.
Governor Beshear also highlighted an environmental impact of the storm, citing a significant fuel leak caused by a dock breaking away on Dale Hollow Lake in Cumberland and Clinton counties. Numerous Kentucky State Police posts had their phone lines knocked out by the storms, prompting the establishment of temporary lines for communication.
The resilience and preparedness of Kentuckians were evident in the face of the storm’s devastation, with many communities rebuilding after the December 2021 tornado outbreak. As recovery efforts continue, the state remains focused on providing support and resources to those affected by the recent severe weather.