Running almost parallel to the I-69 Purchase Parkway and U.S. Highway 58, a devastating tornado — likely to be graded an EF4 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale — splintered the “Pearl of the Purchase” Firday night, and pulled the heart right out of Mayfield.
At the forefront of the damage: more than 40 workers still unaccounted for at a candle plant that collapsed on its employees in the brunt of the storm.
Mayfield’s downtown was all but obliterated. Red’s Donuts, Carr’s Steakhouse and the Good News Shoppe all suffered complete structural losses, while other locations like the Mayfield Police Department and its main fire station were rendered inoperable.
Already, multiple municipalities have responded from in and around the Commonwealth, with multiple regional and federal outlets on the way.
During Saturday morning’s news conference with Governor Andy Beshear, Graves County Judge-Executive Jesse Perry noted he had an “eerie feeling” while gathered with his family Friday night.
Mayfield Mayor Kathy O’Nan asked Kentuckians to stand with the city.
According to the National Weather Service, the tornado that devastated west Kentucky was produced by a parent thunderstorm that traveled more than 230 miles across four states over the course of four hours.
For those looking to help Graves Countians and the surrounding area, all supplies are needed: particularly clean water, blankets, non-perishable food stuffs, cleaning supplies and first aid triages. Safe shelter is also needed; temperatures will stay below 40 for the next two nights before rain re-enters the forecast Tuesday through Friday.
As of 4 p.m. Saturday, Beshear noted more than 100 Kentuckians had lost their lives in these powerful storms.
Beshear added he and his staff are working to quickly establish the Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund to accept donations to help communities across this region recover.
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