Death toll for Kentucky’s ‘deadliest storm’ reaches at least 84 including two children
THE death toll in what’s now being called Kentucky’s “deadliest storm” ever has reached 84 people, including two children.
The massive storm struck Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri over Friday and Saturday as well, leaving utter devastation in its path.
Tornado damage followed Winter Storm Atticus from the Rockies to the Midwest, with Kentucky’s governor confirming that more than 80 were dead in his state alone.
Governor Andy Beshear has said that the state should expect closer to 100 deaths after the tornado ripped through multiple communities, leveling buildings.
Meanwhile, local ABC affiliate KAIT reported that two people were killed and five others hurt in a “mass casualty” event at Monette Manor nursing home after a tornado pummeled the area in Arkansas.
About 20 people were trapped at the facility, which has 90 beds, according to the news station, as shocking pictures showed debris covering the parking lot, with major damage to the building.
Atticus, the first winter storm named this season, has spread heavy snow across Salt Lake City, northern Colorado, eastern Wyoming, southern South Dakota, northwest Nebraska and is now headed into the Plains and Upper Midwest.
Additionally, the storm could produce destructive winds in parts of the Great Lakes, according to The Weather Channel.
Read our Tornado Path Tracker live blog for the latest updates…
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What is a tornado warning?
Unlike a tornado watch, a tornado warning is issued when severe weather is underway.
Upon receiving a tornado warning, it is strongly advised to find safe shelter and respond accordingly.
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What is a tornado watch?
A tornado watch is issued when there is a strong possibility that a tornado will touch down.
A tornado watch last a few hours, on average, according to the Tennessee State University Tornado safety guide.
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When is tornado season?
Typically, tornados are most known to strike during the months of March through June.
Despite tornados not being common in the winter months, disasters have been documented during all months of the year.
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Mayfield courthouse: before and after
Friday night’s deadly storm destroyed the town of Mayfield.
A photo of the town’s courthouse before and after the storm is circulating on Twitter.
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Bernie Sanders issues statement
In a tweet, Senator Bernie Sanders said:
“Jane and I send out deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones and we thank the first responders working around the clock to save lives.”
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Rescue worker saves dog
Photos surfaced of rescue worker Chris Buchanan luring a dog out of what used to be its home in Mayfield, Kentucky.
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Search and rescue efforts footage
Video has been shared of search crews combing through what remains of Mayfield, Kentucky.
The death toll is reported to be at least 80 in Kentucky, with many fearing it could reach over 100.
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The damage from above
An aerial video of the city of Mayfield was posted on Twitter, showing the damage of Friday night’s ‘deadliest storm.’
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How many tornadoes were reported?
More than 30 tornadoes were reported on December 10 in at least six states. with a 200 mile stretch from Arkansas to Kentucky being hit by one violent, long-track twister.
A category five tornado swept across Kentucky, leading to a death toll that Governor Andy Beshear says could be in the hundreds.
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President Biden sends condolences, support
President Joe Biden acknowledged the impact of the severe weather on the midwest.
“To lose a loved one in a storm like this is an unimaginable tragedy,” he wrote.
“We’re working with Governors to ensure they have what they need as the search for survivors and damage assessments continue.”
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What is an EF5 tornado?
Tornadoes are measured for severity on a scale.
EF5, or F5, is the strongest designation on that scale, and it’s very rare.
Before the EF5 that hit the midwest in December 2021, the last EF5 hit the US in May of 2013.
EF5 tornadoes reach wind speeds over 200 miles per hour.
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What is an EF5 tornado?
Tornadoes are measured for severity on a scale.
EF5, or F5, is the strongest designation on that scale, and it’s very rare.
Before the EF5 that hit the midwest in December 2021, the last EF5 hit the US in May of 2013.
EF5 tornadoes reach wind speeds over 200 miles per hour.
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Search for survivors continues
As the death toll is now above 80 in Kentucky alone, rescue missions are underway, with searchers trying to locate any survivors of the natural disaster.
The massive storm struck Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri over Friday and Saturday as well, leaving utter devastation in its path.
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KENTUCKY RESIDENTS URGED NOT TO TRAVEL
A curfew remains in place for many of the hardest-hit parts of Kentucky as residents are urged to avoid the area.
“Citizens who are not actively involved in rescue operations or emergency services are encouraged to avoid travel to and around the affected areas,” a state police news release said.
“With widespread power outages, traffic control devices are not operational and there is no available lighting at many intersections throughout the area creating a serious hazard.”
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ONLY 40 OUT OF 110 PEOPLE WORKING AT FACTORY WHEN TORNADO HIT WERE RESCUED
Only 40 out of 110 people working in a Kentucky candle factory when it collapsed during a tornado on Friday night have been rescued from the rubble as the state’s death toll climbs to 80.
Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear said on Sunday that he believes more than 100 Kentuckians died in the tragedy and that another rescue from the factory is unlikely.
Dozens of workers are feared dead as the search continues in Mayfield.
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KENTUCKY SEN RAND PAUL PROVIDES FEMA UPDATE
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FEMA CHEIF WARNS DEVASTATING STORMS MAY BE ‘NEW NORMAL’
FEMA chief Deanne Criswell issued a warning while on CNN on Sunday that storms like the one that devastated five states this weekend are becoming more common.
“The effects we are seeing of climate change are the crisis of our generation,” Criswell said.
“We’re taking a lot of efforts at FEMA to work with communities to help reduce the impacts that we’re seeing from these severe weather events and help to develop systemwide projects that can help protect communities.”
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GOV BESHEAR CONFIRMED TWO KIDS, 3 AND 5, AMONG VICTIMS OF STORM
During an appearance on CBS’ Face the Nation on Sunday, Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear confirmed that children were among those killed in this weekend’s storms.
“I know we’ve lost a number of kids,” he said.
“This tornado didn’t discriminate. Anybody in its path, even if they were trying to be safe, again, just like nothing we’ve ever seen before.”
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MORE THAN 50,000 IN KENTUCKY WITHOUT POWER
More than 50,000 residents across Kentucky still had no power on Sunday afternoon following the devastation on Friday night.
Around midday Sunday, PowerOutage.US was reporting that a total of 53,553 people had no power.
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KENTUCKY GOVERNOR FEARS MORGUES ‘AREN’T BIG ENOUGH’
Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear spoke about the immense loss of life in the state during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday.
Beshear said that he feared the death toll would be close to 100 and he was worried about the state’s resources.
“One of our challenges is we’re losing so many people in this, most of our morgues aren’t big enough, so our coroners from all over the state are coming in,” Beshear said.
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AUTHORITIES RELEASE NAMES OF THOSE KILLED IN AMAZON WAREHOUSE
The names of the six people killed when a tornado struck an Amazon warehouse in Ilinois have been released.
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BIDEN PROMISES AID FOR AFFECTED STATES
During a press conference on Saturday, President Joe Biden said the federal government would help the affected states in any way they need.
“The federal government will do everything, everything it can possibly do to help,” Biden said.
“I promise you, whatever is needed, whatever is needed, the federal government is going to find a way to supply it.”
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KENTUCKY DEATH TOLL CURRENTLY SITS ABOVE 80
During his appearance on CNN on Sunday, Gov Beshear spoke about the current death toll in the state, which is around 80.
“I know we’ve lost more than 80 Kentuckians. That number is going to exceed more than 100,” he said.
“This is the deadliest tornado event we’ve ever had.”
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DEATH TOLL WILL ‘LIKELY EXCEED 100’
During an appearance on CNN on Sunday morning, Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear said the state’s death toll from the storms will likely “exceed 100.”
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GOVERNOR THANKS PEOPLE FOR DONATING TO RELIEF FUND
The governor of Kentucky thanked those who donated to a relief fund set up for people affected by the devastating storms.
