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Mayor Fischer declares State of Emergency after severe storm hits Louisville

Most of the local damage was centered in the southeast parts of the city, but thankfully there were no deaths or serious injuries reported.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A line of severe storms moved through Kentucky late Wednesday, causing extensive damage in Louisville. Most of the local damage was centered in the southeast parts of the city, but thankfully there were no deaths or serious injuries reported.

However, due to the severity of the damage, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer declared a State of Emergency to get statewide assistance with recovery efforts.

The National Weather Service is currently surveying the area. As of Thursday afternoon, crews determined that at least two tornadoes touched down in the metro.

Fern Creek Fire Department Chief Nathan Mulvey said over 50 workers were out overnight cutting trees and working with LG&E and Public Works to clear roadways.

According to LG&E, the storm knocked down around 160 wires and 40 utility poles. 

"The heavy lifting is ahead of us," said Chris Whelan with LG&E.

About 26,000 people in Louisville were without power Wednesday night according to Whelan, but now that number is down to 8,600. She asked people to stay patient as crews work to restore power. She expected most will be up and working by Thursday, but some areas may not be fixed until tomorrow.

Nearly a dozen JCPS schools were without power Thursday, as well as several bus compounds, leading the district to cancel classes. The day was treated as a "snow day" with no virtual work, since many JCPS families did not have power.

During Thursday's press conference, Metro Councilman James Peden thanked members of the community for helping their neighbors with debris clean-up.

"It's taking neighbors with chainsaws and neighbors with power equipment, but we're getting it done and we're getting it cleaned up," he said.

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