More Than 100 Presumed Dead After Tornadoes Tear Through Several States
More than 100 people are reported to be feared dead after tornadoes impacted several states in the Midwest and South on Dec. 10.
Kentucky’s death toll is at least 80 and is going to exceed 100, according to Gov. Andy Beshear on Dec. 12, reported CNN. This is the deadliest tornado in the state's history.
At a news conference the same day, Beshear said 18 counties reported damage as a result, and between 36,000 to 50,000 individuals were without power.
The longest tracking tornados were at least an F3 with wind speeds between 158 and 206 mph, which originated in Arkansas and was on the ground for more than 220 miles into Kentucky, reported The Courier Journal.
"We're going to grieve together. We're going to dig out and clean up together, and we will rebuild and move forward together," Beshear said during the news conference.
State parks across Kentucky have been opened to house families that have lost their homes, reported CNN.
More than 300 National Guard troops are on duty across nine counties and more than 100 of them are stationed in Graves County, Kentucky. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is also helping.
"Because housing, we know, is going to be such a tremendous need, we are sending in one of our housing experts that will be here tomorrow to begin the strategy for how we're going to be able to help with the long-term housing needs and the recovery of these communities," said Deanne Criswell, FEMA administrator, reported CNN.
President Joe Biden's administration approved a disaster declaration on Dec. 12.
Mayfield, Kentucky’s, Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory collapsed as a result of the severe weather conditions.
Eight people died at the candle factory and eight others are unaccounted for, said company spokesperson Bob Ferguson to CNN.
Arkansas officials reported two weather-related deaths, Tennessee confirmed four, Illinois reported six, and Missouri reported two.
At least six people died at the collapsed Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois, according to Fire Chief James Whiteford.
At least 50 tornadoes were reported across eight states, according to the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center. Five EF-3 tornadoes were identified in: Defiance, Missouri; Edwardsville, Illinois; Bowling Green, Kentucky; Saloma, Kentucky and in Kentucky between Cayce and Beaver Creek.
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