MAYFIELD, Ky. (WTVF / AP) — Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said at least 80 people died from tornadoes in western Kentucky or "significantly up north of that."
Beshear said Sunday on CNN's State of the Union that he has received reports that show more than 80 people in the state were killed.
"That number is gonna exceed more than 100," he added. "This is the deadliest tornado event we've ever had. I think it's going to be the longest and deadliest tornado event in U.S. history."
Gov. Beshear has declared a state of emergency following tornadoes throughout Western Kentucky on Friday night. One tornado moved through Mayfield, Kentucky, leaving a massive wake of damage and destroying several buildings. A plant in Mayfield could have more than a dozen dead, Beshear said.
"This has been the most devastating tornado event in our state’s history," Beshear said at a news conference Saturday morning.
"It’s devastating. There were four tornadoes one of which was the 200-mile tornado. The longest one was a 227-mile tornado it touched down and stayed down for that period of time," he said at an earlier press conference.
The Kentucky National Guard and the Kentucky State Police have been activated to help communities impacted.
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"I can't get through to family I have in the area," he said. "I know there are other people going through the same thing. It's going to be all right. It's going to be hard. We will make it through this too.
According to WPSD Local 6, The Graves County Emergency Management Office says a shelter has been opened at Mayfield High School. They're also saying that people who can safely walk can head to Fire Station 1 at 211 E. Broadway Street.
West Kentucky Rural Electric says power outages in the area could be "lengthy," as transmission lines are down and there is 'widespread damage' to their system. They also add that cell towers have been damaged and that phone lines are overwhelmed.
Storm spotters say that debris were thrown 30,000 feet into the air.
Not really the kinds of records you want to see broken. The Mayfield, KY tornado has lofted debris over 30,000 feet into the air. That's among the most intense ever record. pic.twitter.com/mIkuZzggHC
— Tyler Hofelich (@T_Hofelich) December 11, 2021
