Kentucky leaders unite in 3rd request for disaster declaration
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — All eight members of Kentucky's congressional delegation are urging President Donald Trump to approve Gov. Andy Beshear's request for the third major disaster declaration of the year for the Commonwealth.
In a letter to the President, they said federal help is needed after storms swept across 600 miles of the state.
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'This severe weather event has resulted in catastrophic damage, and 19 Kentuckians have lost their lives. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed or severely damaged, with homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure suffering widespread loss. Critical roadways have been washed out, vital utilities disabled, and basic government services disrupted. The storm's destruction spans more than 600 miles across the Commonwealth,' the letter stated. 'We urge your swift approval of federal disaster assistance to help Kentucky communities begin the process of recovering and rebuilding.'
Beshear filed the request Tuesday, following deadly flooding in February and April.
If approved, the declaration would open the door to more federal aid for hard-hit counties, with others likely to be added.
So far, there has been no response from the White House.
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The National Weather Service reported the EF4 tornado traveled over 55 miles through Russell, Pulaski, and Laurel counties, staying on the ground for an hour and a half with winds reaching a peak of 170 miles per hour.
Based on NWS records, the EF4 tornado was the deadliest tornado in the NWS's Jackson, Kentucky, coverage area. The last fatality because of a tornado in Laurel County was more than a decade ago, on March 2, 2012.
In London, the last tornado was confirmed on June 2, 2001.
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