LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville, gave an update following a string of severe storms that hit Louisville on April 2, bringing rain, hail and tornadic activity. The mayor said while a tornado had not been confirmed in Jefferson County yet, the city was working with state, local and other partner agencies on areas affected by the severe storms.

“The damage was concentrated in the Prospect area of Louisville,” Greenberg said, noting there were no major signs of damage in other parts of the county.

He reported there were over 40 broken utility poles in Jefferson County last night and, as of Wednesday, there were still around 1,400 Louisvillians without power. Louisville Gas and Electric said those without power should expect it to be restored by 10 p.m. Wednesday night.

The mayor urged Louisville residents to stay aways from downed power lines as they could still be live, and allow professionals to deal with clean up of power lines and major debris. He also encouraged people to stay away from the Prospect area if possible, during this time.

According to Greenberg, Louisville firefighters were deployed to help in recovery efforts in Henry County and they have returned.

Damage in the Hunting Creek neighborhood in Jefferson County after severe storms hit the area April 2, 2024. (Spectrum News 1/Jonathon Gregg)

“If you have damage to your home, if you have a tree on your home, please be careful,” the mayor concluded. He told residents to be vigilant about severe weather scammers by getting more than one estimate and checking with your home insurance company. He said those could be reported to the Kentucky attorney general’s office.

The mayor said the Anchorage/Middletown Fire Department had been involved in recovery efforts in Prospect. Fire chief Kevin Groody said the primary mission of the department was to do a “rapid search” and assessment of the affected areas. In their search, Groody said 38 structures had major damage and five had been totally destroyed, but noted a majority of the structures they inspected were mostly unaffected. He said the department would continue with a secondary search Wednesday to go back to the structures that sustained damage.

Steve Cunanan, American Red Cross Kentucky Region, shared they had one emergency shelter on standby and will continue to have it on standby as recovery efforts continue. “I want to emphasize if your home has been damaged or you cannot stay in your home, please call 1-800-REDCROSS, and we will facilitate getting you where you need to go.”

Mike Kocahsik with the National Weather Service confirmed reports of at least an EF1 tornado capable of 100 mile per hour winds touched down in Jeffersonville, Indiana. He also confirmed EF1 tornadoes in Nelson, Anderson and Jessamine counties.

Greenberg applauded the communal spirit across the city.

“What my biggest observation was was how communities come together, neighbors helping neighbors,” he said. “We are one Louisville.”