Kentucky Governor Declares State of Emergency After Powerful Storms Cause Damage

Kentucky Governor Declares State of Emergency After Powerful Storms Cause Damage
Utility workers and city crews survey and help clear debris at Thornton Furniture on Cave Mill Road in Bowling Green, Ky.,, following the devastating tornadoes that tore through town on Dec. 11, 2021. Grace Ramey/Bowling Green Daily News via AP
The Associated Press
Updated:

HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. —Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Saturday as powerful storms ripped through the state causing flash floods, power outages and property damage, including from a possible tornado in Hopkinsville.

There were no immediate reports of any injuries or deaths. The storms come just three weeks after deadly tornadoes tore through the region, killing more than 90 people in five states, including 77 in Kentucky.

As of Saturday night, much of Kentucky and West Virginia were under a flood warning. Portions of eastern Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama were under a tornado watch.

Downed trees and limbs sit broken in the grass outside the Ashton Parc apartments off Scottsville Road in Bowling Green, Ky., following the devastating tornadoes that tore through town on Dec. 11, 2021. (Grace Ramey/Bowling Green Daily News via AP)
Downed trees and limbs sit broken in the grass outside the Ashton Parc apartments off Scottsville Road in Bowling Green, Ky., following the devastating tornadoes that tore through town on Dec. 11, 2021. Grace Ramey/Bowling Green Daily News via AP

The Kentucky governor’s office reported flash flooding had caused water rescues and many road closures in the southern and central portions of the state.

Heavy rains were expected to continue throughout the day in much of Kentucky, followed by a cold front, which could complicate emergency response efforts.

In the southwestern Kentucky town of Hopkinsville, several downtown businesses were damaged by a possible tornado. WTVF-TV reported a Family Dollar store had been largely destroyed and the roof of a Marathon gas station had blown into a park across the street. Other nearby buildings had roof damage and there were many downed power lines, the station reported.

Another possible tornado touchdown occurred in Taylor County, in the middle of the state, where a number of homes were damaged, according to the governor’s office.

“It is devastating that we are once again experiencing severe weather just weeks after the deadly tornadoes hit Western Kentucky. Sadly, some counties have been affected by both of these events,” Beshear said in a statement. “We will continue to monitor the weather and provide needed updates. Everyone be aware, stay safe and seek shelter when advised.”