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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.

NWS details science, events of December tornado outbreak
Lily Burris•
NWS officials spoke at a workshop Thursday in Paducah about what weather models revealed leading up to the night of Dec. 10, and the effectiveness of storm warnings.
NWS scientist giving tornado presentation
Land Between the Lakes still in early phases of tornado recovery
Lily Burris•
Opening weekend for LBL is coming up in early April, and officials are working to ensure that visitors aren’t impacted by tornado damage during their visit.
LBL Tornado Cleanup
Kentucky deadline to apply for FEMA reimbursement is March 14
Rhonda Miller•
Kentucky residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed will not be able to register for FEMA financial reimbursement after March 14.
Pembroke-cemetery_storms
Candle factory workers weren’t trained for emergencies before deadly tornado collapse, lawsuit claims
Jared Bennett•
Eight survivors of the Mayfield candle factory collapse have lodged new allegations against the company claiming it did not allow them to leave the factory for their safety, did not train employees in emergency safety protocols and only had one hallway and two bathrooms to shelter 110 employees during the storm.
Mayfield candle factory feature
Kentucky transit services battle supply chain in pursuit of new buses
Dustin Wilcox•
Three out of the five PACS buses in Hopkinsville have nearly reached 300,000 miles, and with no replacements in sight, maintenance has become paramount.
PACS Hopkinsville bus
What’s next for the $43 million left in Kentucky’s tornado relief fund
Lily Burris•
The next big steps will be working with nonprofits and other organizations to get people in housing and start that step toward long-term recovery.
Pembroke-street-clearning_storms
A dream built, then lost in the Mayfield tornado
Constance Alexander•
Her clothing store in a pile of rubble, Jana Duffy posted a message to Facebook: "Anaj is NOT salvageable. People have lost their homes, lives. Pray for our city."
Anaj tornado damage
Kentucky state parks still figuring out next steps for tornado survivors
Lily Burris•
In total, 105 rooms are being used at five Kentucky state parks – Pennyrile, Kentucky Dam Village, Kenlake State Resort Park, Lake Barkley State Resort Park and Barren River Lake State Resort Park – to house tornado survivors.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park buffet bar
Kentucky Farm Bureau offering $1,500 in tornado relief supplies via Western Ky. farm stores
Dustin Wilcox•
Eligible farmers can visit eight participating farm stores to collect up to $1,500 in supplies to repair or replace damaged items
farm damaged from tornado
FEMA disaster assistance deadline extended to March
Dustin Wilcox•
The deadlines were previously set for Feb. 11.
Pembroke tornado damage
FEMA denials frustrate Kentucky tornado survivors
Jacob Ryan•
After deadly tornadoes hit Kentucky, FEMA promised help. Two months later, fewer than 1 in 7 applicants are getting it.
fema approval map
Tornado cleanup is more than physical; loss and suffering take emotional, psychological toll
Kentucky Health News•
Individuals in communities devastated by the Dec. 10 tornado are now confronting the emotional and psychological toll that comes from enduring so much loss and suffering.
Mayfield candle factory feature