FRANKFORT, Ky. — At least five Kentuckians are dead and tens of thousands are without power after a tornado-producing storm tore through the Commonwealth Sunday afternoon and evening.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed in a news conference Monday morning the Commonwealth lost at least four Kentuckians from Sunday's storm. One man in Hopkins County injured by the storm is "fighting for their life," Beshear said. He is currently in the hospital in critical condition.
"We know that there are at least four families this morning that have suffered the loss of a loved one less than 24 hours ago that are hurting," Beshear said. "We ought to rally around them and do everything we can to carry them in the days, the weeks and the years to come."
Among the four killed by the storms is 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.
In a social media post, the governor later confirmed a fifth person had died as a result of the storms. Beshear said a 54-year-old man died from a heart attack while cutting fallen trees in Caldwell County.
Beshear said at least one tornado stayed on the ground for several miles and more tornadoes formed, spun down and spun back up.
"At least one tornado on the ground at least 40 miles and a number of other tornadoes that spun down and spun back up. We are awaiting the National Weather Service to confirm those tornadoes," Beshear said.
The tornado that was on the ground for 40 miles hit Dawson Springs and barely missed a prison in Eddyville and the town of Mayfield which was hit hard by a tornado in 2021.
As of 11 a.m., the governor said there were still over 176,000 people without power in Kentucky since Sunday. At its peak, the storm knocked out power to 215,144 customers.
LG&E customers account for the majority of customers affected. According to the LG&E Power Outage Map, over 76,000 customers don't have power.
Fourteen counties declared a state of emergency. Emergency declarations were announced in Bullitt, Caldwell, Clay, Clinton, Hopkins, Knox, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, McLean, Muhlenberg, Simpson, Todd and Trigg counties. The five cities with declarations are: Albany, Cadiz, Dawson Springs, Manchester and Russellville.
“Communities across Kentucky experienced storms that produced strong winds, multiple tornadoes and hail in some places. The storm knocked out power for thousands of Kentuckians, temporarily shut down numerous roads and interstates, and caused massive damage to homes and businesses,” Beshear said. “But like we always see after severe weather events, first responders and everyday Kentuckians rallied to help each other in those toughest moments.”
"It could've been much worse," Beshear said. “Kentucky has been through so much, and we continue to remain grateful for our first responders and transportation employees who are working to keep all our families safe and clear roadways."
Sunday night, Beshear declared a state of emergency and implemented the state's price gouging laws as storms produced tornadoes, strong winds and hail.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray applauded emergency teams for their quick responses.
“Crews mobilized yesterday and worked through the day and overnight to help clear roads of trees on state-maintained routes and to support first responder and utility restoration efforts,” said Secretary Gray. “Clearing roadways could take time, especially if it requires clearing downed power lines first. Our Team Kentucky crews are dedicated to keeping travelers safe. Please watch out for them on the roads, drive alert and slow down.”
Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson said in the news conference that help remains availble for all those who need it.
“The number I wanted to make sure that I shared with you is to our 24-hour watch center that is staffed around the clock here, and this number is not only good when we are in the middle of a storm but if there’s something that you need that you think that Kentucky Emergency Management can provide, we keep staff here 24-7. 1-800-255-2587 – that will be something you want to use if you’re having trouble making contact with your KSP post or local emergency management, as we know they are extremely busy right now,” Gibson said.
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