LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency after powerful storms forced their way across the commonwealth Thursday.
According to a news release from the governor's office, the storms produced a tornado, heavy rain, large hail and strong winds. No fatalities have been reported.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed at least one EF-2 tornado touched down in Jefferson County, Indiana, near Madison, as well as in Milton, Kentucky -- just across the Ohio River.
The governor's office said the General Butler State Resort Park is currently housing 33 people. Officials said it's likely that over 100 buildings were damaged.
Nearly 6,000 customers are currently without power, with Trimble County having roughly 3,900. Crews are working "around the clock" to restore power.
Beshear has activated the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storms.
“We have significant damage to a number of structures, especially in Milton, in Trimble County. Though, thankfully, every report we have received, up until now, indicates there have been no fatalities and only a couple of minor injuries – and that is the most important thing,” Beshear said. “I am going to be on the ground tomorrow morning in Milton to see the damage myself. My promise is that we are going to work with everybody to do the very best to support them during this difficult time.”
Emergency managers and other emergency personnel, including Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), have been sent to affected areas to help.
KYTC said KY-36 is expected to stay closed until midnight (Friday night into Saturday morning) as a result of the damage sustained during the storms. Officials said this timeframe may change depending on any additional weather issues.
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