Karen Tzar
Appearances
Up First from NPR
Deadly Kentucky Storms, Supreme Court Ruling, European Presidential Elections
And as the storm was passing over the WUKY studios here in Lexington last night, we were under tornado watches, and you could see the rotations on the radar that And then as the storm moved south, those watches quickly turned to warnings and weather spotters captured what appeared to be funnel clouds and several local meteorologists confirmed tornadic activity.
Up First from NPR
Deadly Kentucky Storms, Supreme Court Ruling, European Presidential Elections
We, of course, are waiting on confirmation from the National Weather Service.
Up First from NPR
Deadly Kentucky Storms, Supreme Court Ruling, European Presidential Elections
Yes, I spoke with London Mayor Randall Weddle. He said at least 23 people have died. in the county, and some are still unaccounted for.
Up First from NPR
Deadly Kentucky Storms, Supreme Court Ruling, European Presidential Elections
There's also one reported fatality in Somerset where it appears a tornado or straight-line winds cut through. Mayor Weddle and officials in Somerset are saying the best way everyone can help right now is by staying away from the area so that first responders can continue recovery efforts.
Up First from NPR
Deadly Kentucky Storms, Supreme Court Ruling, European Presidential Elections
Several videos came in, one in particular where a father and son in Somerset filming the storm, and it was pitch black, but as the lightning would flash, you could see what appeared to be a funnel cloud touching down, and they, of course, quickly went inside. Mayor Weddle has sent photos, and there are areas where... There used to be a neighborhood and there's nothing left but sticks.
Up First from NPR
Deadly Kentucky Storms, Supreme Court Ruling, European Presidential Elections
It is completely flat. He says the damage is devastating and it looks similar to what we saw in western Kentucky several years ago.
Up First from NPR
Deadly Kentucky Storms, Supreme Court Ruling, European Presidential Elections
We are still gathering reports, and again, in areas where the destruction wasn't as severe or widespread. Officials say we won't know the extent of the damage until they're able to do surveys by the light of day. And as you mentioned, dozens of Kentucky counties were affected by storms in April, but we also saw storms in February. So FEMA has been on the ground in Kentucky for several months.
Up First from NPR
Deadly Kentucky Storms, Supreme Court Ruling, European Presidential Elections
That is going to be an incredible asset for us because currently... We have recovery centers open across the state helping people who were affected by those storms so that they can apply for individual assistance. Ironically, just a week ago, 24 more counties were added to the list approved for individual assistance.
Up First from NPR
Deadly Kentucky Storms, Supreme Court Ruling, European Presidential Elections
Thank you.
Up First from NPR
Deadly Kentucky Storms, Supreme Court Ruling, European Presidential Elections
Thank you for having me.
Up First from NPR
Deadly Kentucky Storms, Supreme Court Ruling, European Presidential Elections
Well, we are in Lexington, which is the central part of Kentucky, and it seems like south of us sustained the most damage. Now, those reports were in the overnight, and as the sun comes up, officials in several counties say that they're going to have a better assessment of the scope of the damage.