Kentucky tornadoes: Up to 100 people likely killed

INA - SOURCES

At least 70 people were feared dead in Kentucky after tornadoes and severe weather tore through multiple states and caused catastrophic damage.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said at a news conference, on Saturday that the death toll may exceed 100.

"This is going to be some of the worst tornado damage that we've seen in a long time," Beshear said early Saturday. "This is likely to be the most severe tornado outbreak in our state's history."

"We believe our death toll from this event will exceed 50 Kentuckians and probably end up 70 to 100," said Beshear.

The city of Mayfield, Kentucky was hit particularly hard, including a candle manufacturing factory that was operating at the time the twister hit. There were 110 people in the building at the time that it was nearly collapsed by the tornado. Dozens are expected to be lost from there, Beshear said.

"This tornado event may surpass the 1974 super outbreak as one of the most deadly in Kentucky's history," said Kentucky Emergency Management Director Michael Dossett.

Dossett went on to say that rescue efforts are underway and being conducted by local response teams while Beshear said the National Guard has been activated, with 181 guardsmen being deployed. Kentucky State Police have been working all night to save lives as well.

Beshear has also requested President Joe Biden to declare a federal state of emergency.
The tornado that ravaged multiple Kentucky counties also killed people in Arkansas. The supercell has been weakening and strengthening as it has moved throughout the night and morning.

Beshear said the tornado that hit Mayfield was a tornado that touched down and stayed on the ground for 227 miles.