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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.

Facebook group helping reunite Kentucky tornado victims with belongings
Julia Hunter•
A Facebook group formed last week aims to help reunite Kentucky tornado victims with irreplaceable memories and their pets.
Found Items feature
Christian County residents now eligible for FEMA disaster aid
Julia Hunter•
Christian County was one of six counties added to the federal disaster declaration on Thursday.
Calvin-Drive-home_storms
Here’s how to apply for FEMA disaster relief, and what to avoid
Jasmine Demers•
Christian County was added to the list of counties eligible for federal disaster aid on Thursday.
Pembroke house repairs
In Western Kentucky, tornadoes are frequent — and put billions in property value at risk
Jacob Ryan•
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.
christian county tornado damage
Casey Jones joins tornado relief with online auction for a barrel of bourbon
Jennifer P. Brown•
The Christian County distillery donated its first ever Barrel Pick Experience for the auction.
Casey Jones feature
McConnell to visit Western Kentucky communities hit by tornadoes
Ryland Barton•
During a speech on the Senate Floor, McConnell said he’ll bring people’s concerns back to Washington to make sure they get help.
Mayfield tornado
Some Western Ky. food pantries adversely affected by tornadoes
Dustin Wilcox•
The storm didn't affect day-to-day operations at the Aaron McNeil House, which received a call Wednesday from Tyson Foods seeking to donate approximately 80,000 pounds of protein to food banks in western Kentucky.
Paducah Cooperative Ministry
Dawson Springs residents react to a rare presidential visit to their town
Ryland Barton•
Kentucky 1st District Congressman Jamie Comer joined Biden on Air Force One for the trip to visit Western Kentucky communities ravaged by the Dec. 10-11 tornadoes.
Dawson residents presidents motorcade
Tornado that hit Mayfield, Dawson Springs and Princeton was an EF4
Jennifer P. Brown•
Preliminary data from the National Weather Service indicates the tornado that leveled much of Mayfield and Dawson Springs was an EF4. The weather service is still surveying the damages to determine the severity of the other tracks, including one that crossed South Christian from LaFayette to Pembroke. 
Mayfield tornado damage
President Biden traveling to Western Kentucky on Wednesday
Jennifer P. Brown•
The president will survey storm damage in Mayfield and Dawson Springs.
presidential seal feature
National Weather Service teams working to determine strength and number of tornadoes
WKMS•
Where residents see destruction, meteorologists see data in uprooted trees, snapped trunks and broken glass.
national weather service seal
Mayfield candle factory’s labor practices under scrutiny in wake of deadly tornado
Jared Bennett•
Four employees told NBC News they were threatened with firing if they left the factory early Friday night — and public records, court documents and interviews show the company has a history of worker safety violations, accusations of discrimination and relying on vulnerable workers.
Mayfield tornado damage