BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — After a historic long-tracking tornado brought devastation through western Kentucky, two area colleges have cancelled commencement ceremonies planned for Saturday afternoon.
Western Kentucky University and Murray State University both called off their commencements early Saturday.
WKU, located in Bowling Green, reported "significant tornado damage" that affected networks and power lines. Officials said no injuries were reported on campus.
4:05am Update: WKU will not hold commencement ceremonies today (December 11). WKU remains without power. No injuries are reported on campus, but there is significant tornado damage in the area.
— Western Kentucky University (@wku) December 11, 2021
Murray State, located just outside of Mayfield where significant damage occurred, also confirmed on Twitter that their commencement wouldn't happen Saturday.
At least four tornados reportedly wreaked havoc on western and central Kentucky late Friday night, and Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed at least 50 deaths but said that could rise to 100.
One twister stayed on the ground for 227 miles and will likely eclipse the record for longest tornado track which was set in 1925. Two other tornadoes were tracked south of Mayfield and there was one to the north.