US: Authorities responding to tornado damage in parts of Kentucky as of late April 2

Response operations are ongoing in parts of Kentucky late April 2 after several rounds of severe storms with embedded tornadoes moved across the region April 2. Storm damage, likely caused by tornadoes, has occurred across several locations across the affected region. The Governor has declared a state of emergency and activated the State Emergency Operations Center.

The National Weather Service has confirmed that two tornadoes touched down in Nelson and Anderson counties and are still assessing damage in Mercer County. Damage has been reported in Anderson, Bath, Ballard, Bourbon, Boyd, Carter, Clark, Elliott, Fayette, Greenup, Kenton, Jefferson, Jessamine, Mercer, Montgomery, Nelson, Powell, Union, and Woodford counties. Bourbon, Boyd, Clark, Elliott, Greenup, Jessamine, and Kenton counties and the cities of Ashland, Catlettsburg, and Villa Hill have issued disaster declarations. Authorities have established emergency shelters for those affected by the severe weather.

Tens of thousands of customers were left without power due to the severe weather; power has been restored in some areas, however, as of late April 2, more than 27,000 people remain without power, with northeastern Kentucky the worst affected. Authorities closed all Executive Branch state offices the afternoon of April 2. The University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Bellarmine University canceled all classes the afternoon of April 2.

Response operations are ongoing; disruptions to ground travel and business operations will likely persist for several days in the affected areas.