FRANKFORT, Ky. — At least five Kentuckians died after severe storms swept into the commonwealth May 26, said Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky.
The deaths include a 67-year-old woman from Mercer County, a 62-year-old woman in Hardin County, a 48-year-old woman in Hopkins County and a 34-year-old man from Jefferson County, Beshear confirmed Monday during a news conference. Beshear also said via X, formerly Twitter, a 54-year-old man died of a heart attack while cutting fallen trees in Caldwell County.
“That means we know that there’s at least four families this morning that suffered the loss of a loved one less than 24 hours ago and are hurting,” Beshear said. “We ought to rally around and do everything we can to carry them in the days, the weeks and the years to come.”
Beshear also issued emergency declarations for 14 counties (Bullitt, Caldwell, Clay, Clinton, Hopkins, Knox, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, McLean, Muhlenberg, Simpson, Todd and Trigg) and five cities (Albany, Cadiz, Dawson Springs, Manchester and Russelville). One family who lost its home in the 2021 outbreak also lost its home in the May 26 storms, he said.
The National Weather Service in Louisville said it has confirmed EF1 tornadoes in Butler/Northern Warren and Meade counties, with straight-line winds of 85 mph in Grayson County. Crews are continuing to assess damage.
📌(Updated 5/27/24 at 330PM) Damage survey crews are assessing damage from the May 26th, 2024 Event.
— NWS Louisville (@NWSLouisville) May 27, 2024
Information will be updated as survey results are determined.
Survey results in Meade County concluded an EF1 tornado with 90mph winds.#kywx #inwx pic.twitter.com/pjzmvMU9bM
Shortly after midnight May 27, Beshear declared a State of Emergency. This includes activating the state's price-gouging laws, and Beshear said those who see price increases for necessary products should call the attorney general's office on the price-gouging hotline.
Beshear added the state's Emergency Operation Center has been activated to a Level 3 status. He said the storms are a big enough event where the state should qualify for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance but urged Kentuckians to document damage, even those who don't think they have much.
"That amount goes into the total that's ultimately looked at to determine if our citizens can get that help," Beshear said. "Your willingness to track damage and turn it in is what helps a neighbor or someone you don't even know from another county get that help."
At its peak, Beshear said, more than 215,000 Kentuckians were without power. As of 8:30 a.m. May 28, more than 82,000 Kentuckians still do not have power, according to poweroutage.us.
LG&E and KU said an additional 700 line workers and personnel from surrounding states are joining hundreds of employees to help restore power in what will be a multi-day effort and are responding to 1,000 downed wires. The Louisville Metro Police Department added I-265 between Stonestreet Road and Jefferson Highway will be closed in both directions to accommodate repairs.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray said officials have reported high water, fallen trees and other impacts in about 45 counties, and nearly 100 state highways were affected overnight, with the bulk of those in the Paducah, Madisonville and Bowling Green districts. Crews are continuing to clear debris, and he urged drivers to take caution.
"You can help by avoiding travel and staying out of damaged areas," Gray said. "Give crews and responders the time and space needed to protect the public."
Beshear thanked the Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky State Police and first responders, among others, for their efforts.
"These people have given up time and their families to ensure Kentucky cities and communities have the resources they need," Beshear said. "These first responders work behind the scenes during our darkest times, and we should be grateful."
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