The tornado that stayed on the ground for over 200 miles will not only set a record for the longest track for a single twister but will also likely be the deadliest in Kentucky history.
There were eight tornado emergencies issued in western Kentucky Friday night and Saturday morning as the storms approached several cities, starting with Mayfield. Retired meteorologist Rick Shanklin said the tornado emergencies, which are the next tier above a warning, were the first ever issued by the National Weather Service office in Paducah.
click to download audioShanklin added the four-state tornado may be the first in U.S. history.
click to download audioKentucky Emergency Management Director Michael Dossett said these storms will likely be worse than the 1974 outbreak that destroyed 128 homes and killed 28 people, mostly in Meade County.
click to download audioDossett said the tornado is one never seen before in the United States.
click to download audioThe likely tornados in Caldwell and Christian counties are the first in December since at least 1960, according to the National Weather Service.
