Western Ky Storms

On Dec. 10-11, Western Kentucky was ravaged by two destructive long-track tornadoes. The first — an EF4 — clipped the northwest corner of Christian County remained on the ground for more than 165 miles. Two and a half hours later, an EF-2 “took straight aim for the city of Pembroke” and South Christian County, where it caused significant property damage. Then, just weeks later on New Year’s Day, an EF-2 traveled for about a mile through downtown Hopkinsville.

Explore Hoptown Chronicle’s coverage in the days, weeks and months that followed — chronicling initial reports, resident reactions and ongoing recovery efforts.

The loans are for working capital needs caused by storms on Dec. 31, 2021, and Jan. 1, 2022
hopkinsville intersection strewn with tornado debris
The funding to reimburse Kentucky Emergency Management and Hopkins County for costs associated with the December 2021 disaster was approved on Tuesday.
dawson springs tornado damage
The Kentucky Arts Council is offering funds to artists and schools in areas hit by last December's tornadoes, including Christian County.
painting supplies
As Mayfield continues to recover from last year's deadly tornado outbreak, the community's Christmas tree offers a symbol of the city's resilience.
Mayfield Christmas tree
A tree grower joins forces with a local organization to replant some of the trees lost in Kentucky during tornadoes of late 2021.
Trees inside Christian County Extension
Federal money meant to mitigate the impact of natural disasters has been distributed unevenly, according to a KyCIR analysis.
dawson springs tornado damage
The “Planting Day” event was organized by the Kentucky Hemp Association and drew in dozens of volunteers from several states.
Kemp VP Hall
An independent crew known as Climate Productions has been working on the documentary — called "165 Miles: Catastrophe in Kentucky" — since the day of the storm.
Mayfield tornado
People impacted by the December tornado may fill out financial assistance applications on Sept. 21 at Pembroke City Hall.
Pembroke-street-clearning_storms
The money can be used to help local governments, nonprofit or public utilities groups, state agencies or school districts.
dawson springs tornado damage
The new maximum applies to property owners within presidentially declared disaster areas — including those impacted by recent tornadoes.
Pembroke tornado damage