Weather

State officials have long considered tornadoes to pose a significant risk across western Kentucky. Christian County is among the counties where the threat is especially high.

Hazard climatologists Alisa Hass and Kelsey Ellis explain the conditions that generated the outbreak of powerful tornadoes Friday night into Saturday — including what may be the first “quad-state tornado” in the U.S. — and why the Southeast is vulnerable to these disasters year-round, especially at night.

For many residents of Mayfield, their community has become an unrecognizable place.

Several homes were heavily damaged or destroyed in Southern Christian County late Friday night and county rescue team members and sheriff’s deputies began searching Pembroke and surrounding areas Saturday morning for anyone who was hurt or trapped in storm wreckage.

Mayfield in Graves County may have suffered the most devastation. At least 19 counties, including Christian, sustained major damage.

The National Weather Service says thunderstorms are possible between 11 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday.

A native of Christian County, Shanklin has said the 1978 tornado that hit his family farm sparked his interest in weather.

Temperatures will be in the 20s overnight Wednesday and Thursday in Hopkinsville.

The National Weather Service said the region could see damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes.

The National Weather Service of Paducah aims to promote severe weather safety with a week-long educational campaign.

Christian County Public Schools reported multiple county roads were impassible Monday, and the district switched to virtual instruction.

The Thomas Street Recreation Center and the Planters Bank-Jennie Stuart Health Sportsplex are among those that reopened Friday.