Gov. Beshear: Kentucky storms turn deadly with widespread damage reported

At least four people were killed during storms that tore across Kentucky and the Governor has declared a state of emergency.

“We had devastating storms that hit almost the entire state, hitting a couple areas like Charleston and Barnsley just north of Dawson Springs really hard, as well as the community in Muhlenberg County and a number of other places across Kentucky. We know we had one tornado on the ground at least 40 miles. And a number of other tornadoes that spun down and spun back up.” Beshear said, “We are awaiting the National Weather Service to confirm those tornadoes.

Beshear confirmed four fatalities during a press briefing from the Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort Monday morning. He said one person was also seriously injured and to his knowledge no one is currently unaccounted for.

Thousands of people are still without power and communication at times during the height of the storm was a challenge. Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson said his team had been preparing for potentially dangerous weather.

“The Emergency Operations Center is open now. It was open throughout the storm. It will continue to be open for the next several operational periods as we prepare to and continue to take calls for damage. People needing assistance, people wanting to report. Issues that have not been addressed.”
That number is 800-255-2587.

Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said teams are working as quickly as possible to open traffic routes.
“Our highway technicians in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Department of Highways have been working around the clock since this time yesterday and are continuing to work with chainsaws, trucks, and backhoes with heavy equipment to clear roads so critical emergency services can get to the people who need help the most.”

The Governor also activated price gouging laws to protect residents from overpriced goods during storm recovery. You can report price gouging to the Attorney General’s Office.