HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. — Downed power lines, debris continue to be a concern in Hopkinsville. The Christian County Emergency Management Agency confirmed 85 homes, 13 buildings and two churches sustained damage from the confirmed EF-2 tornado.
The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-2 tornado that touched down in Hopkinsville Saturday morning. The Christian County Emergency Management Agency’s Director Randy Graham has helped determine minor, major damage to a significant amount of structures in Hopkinsville.
“We’ve got around 85 homes that were affected, 13 businesses and then two churches. When you have a tornado in a populated city your affected structures are going to be high. Out of those 85 homes we may have some that just lost shingles versus all the way to some homes that their entire roof is gone,” said Graham.
Hopkinsville Electric System (HES) sent nearly 20 utility lineman to repair downed power lines, restore power to residents. Tim Fleming is one of the lineman who’s worked with HES for 15 years.
“We got fiber optic cables, we got one of the guys in the bucket trying to pull it up and that way we can get it out of the road and stop impeding traffic,” said Fleming.
HES has worked on restoring power lines nonstop since the early hours of Saturday morning. The work started at E. Ninth street and out to neighborhoods along S. Campbell street.
“We provide a very very important service and utility for the community and to be able to come out here and be what I consider one of the first responders you know you almost kind of get that hero effect where people pat you on the back, tell you thank you and good job,” said Fleming.
Restoring power lines is a dangerous job sometimes but one the Hopkinsville community needs. The Christian County EMA has been made aware that 20 to 30 Hopkinsville residents still don’t have power because their damage is so bad it will require an electrician first before restoration.
“There’s several residences that do not have power but they are the ones that have had their meter socket torn from their home and they have to have an electrician before we restore service,” said Fleming.
Local and state level damage assessments have been conducted in Hopkinsville, it’s something that Christian County EMA Director Randy Graham says may require a presidential declaration in the future. Graham adds he’s pleased with public works and power line crews for their quick response in removing danger from roads. The Christian County EMA encourages residents to sign up for severe weather alerts, to do so residents can text “ChristianCounty” to “81437.”