Tornado that ripped apart Mayfield & Dawson Springs classified as EF-4 with 190 mph winds
MAYFIELD, Ky. (WZTV) — Kentucky is reeling after catastrophic storms shook the state Friday night. As of Thursday afternoon, total of 75 deaths have been confirmed in the commonwealth. Sixteen people are still missing.
On Wednesday, an official survey from the National Weather Service classified the tornado that struck Mayfield, Kentucky an EF-4 with winds up to 190 mph. Its path was 128 miles in length. This also includes Dawson Springs, Kentucky.
Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency just before midnight Friday. Multiple agencies continue to respond to cdamage. In a press conference early Saturday morning, the governor said a roof collapse at a candle factory has resulted in "mass casualties."
State leaders held a press conference Thursday afternoon, where it was announced the death toll across the state has reached 75. Those who perished range from ages 2 months old to 98 years old.
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Gov. Beshear said Thursday that 138 Kentuckians were treated at emergency rooms in the aftermath of the storms.
At least 16 people are still unaccounted for. Recovery efforts continue.
"We have deaths in multiple, possibly many counties," Gov. Beshear said Saturday morning. "The hardest hit county appears to be Graves where the city of Mayfield has been devasted."
Gov. Beshear has already requested an emergency declaration from President Joe Biden, stating via Twitter "This has been one of the toughest nights in Kentucky’s history, with multiple counties impacted and a significant loss of life. I have declared a state of emergency and submitted a request to @POTUS for an immediate federal emergency declaration."
Just after 11:30 p.m., Kentucky State Police said no fatalities have been confirmed, but "loss of life is expected." Authorities issued the following statement:
Kentucky State Police, Post 1 is currently responding to a severe tornado event that spreads across multiple counties across Western Kentucky. There is significant damage reported. While no fatalities have been confirmed at this time, loss of life is expected. Multiple agencies from across the purchase area are responding. Updates will follow.
"We are praying for our Western Kentucky families," Gov. Beshear wrote.
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Two people died Friday night and five others were injured after a tornado swept through Jonesboro, Arkansas.
