Latest news with #KentuckyEmergencyManagement
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Kentucky leaders to provide update in aftermath of deadly tornadoes
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Gov. Andy Beshear and other state leaders will give an update Tuesday morning as Kentucky works to recover from the deadly tornadoes. Who are the 19 southeastern Kentucky tornado victims? Beshear's office announced the briefing will be at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, regarding the impacts of the tornadoes as well as Kentucky's response to them. The presser will be held at the Kentucky National Guard JRTC at 405 Civil Air Patrol Dr. in London. He will be joined by Eric Gibson, the director of Kentucky Emergency Management, and Jerry Rains, the director of emergency management for both Laurel and Whitley counties. Did weather service staffing cuts impact tornado warnings for Kentuckians? Beshear weighs in Beshear's update comes ahead of another round of potentially dangerous storms that are forecast to impact Kentucky on Tuesday. The briefing will be streamed live on FOX 56 and within this story on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Local, state officials deliver message of hope after tornado rips through southern Kentucky
LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) — Less than 24 hours after a tornado tore through southern Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear and other local and state officials delivered a message of hope and resiliency in a Laurel County news conference. 'At times like this, when things seem darkest, is when you see humanity shine its brightest,' said the governor. According to officials, nearly 20 people are dead and countless people are displaced. RELATED l Laurel County fire major killed in line of duty during storms The governor said this was one of the worst disasters he's ever seen. 'It's one of the worst in terms of the loss of human life. It's one of the worst in terms of damage. It's tough to look at one home that doesn't have a shred left. And you know that person didn't make it. And then another home a block away, that looks like it is completely untouched,' said Beshear. Many are wondering where to go and what to do next. Beshear and other local officials assured them at the presser that help is available. But with FEMA applications from previous disasters still open, those affected by this storm are urged to wait to apply for assistance until a disaster declaration is approved. Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson said, 'We want to help you now, but we have to wait until the the order is signed. We have very much had a lot of support from FEMA this year. And the president, those other two disasters are ongoing and operational. But it's very important to understand that the application process for the overnight storm, while the fresh in our minds, is not the right time to apply for this disaster.' As other leaders approached the podium, some were overcome with emotion as they spoke about seeing their friends, family, and neighbors left with nothing, and the places they live reduced to rubble. They vowed to make sure this community gets the help it needs. 28 killed by severe storms in Kentucky, Missouri, Virginia Cleanup begins in Pulaski County Local, state officials deliver message of hope after tornado rips through southern Kentucky 'They said it was going to hit us and—I'm sorry—we stood on the porch, and we watched this go to our neighbors and you see what they're going through today,' said Laurel County Judge Executive, David Westerfield. 'I have not left, I have not been home and I won't go until these people are taken care of.' As recovery continues, officials urged people to stay out of affected areas to allow more room for first responders and clean-up crews to move in. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
State of emergency declared in Kentucky as severe weather approaches
Video note: Despite this article's time stamp, the above video is the latest forecast from The Weather Authority. FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Friday afternoon on the cusp of the arrival of dangerous weather on its way to the Bluegrass. The May 16 declaration was announced just after 4 p.m. on Friday and calls for state emergency officials to execute the Kentucky Emergency Operations Plan, activating relief organizations, and coordinating response efforts statewide. Kentucky National Guard troops are also standing ready to respond, with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews also on alert, officials said. RELATED l Tracking severe weather watches, warnings in Kentucky: Large hail, tornado risk ahead 'Once again we have a dangerous weather system sweeping across the commonwealth,' Gov. Beshear said. 'We expect a significant round of weather coming this afternoon and into tonight that will produce strong winds that could lead to power outages, a possibility of hail, flooding and potential for tornadoes. We need everyone to be really careful and make sure you have weather alerts on and are at a location where you can seek safety if needed.' Severe weather in Kentucky touched down early Friday morning, causing over 10,000 customers to lose power across the Commonwealth. State leaders wrote in the state of emergency declaration that the American Red Cross would be coordinating at the local level to see if schools and other public facilities across the state could be used as shelters. Kentucky mother pleads guilty to murder after 2023 death of 'Baby Elena' State of emergency declared in Kentucky as severe weather approaches Lexington shopping center sold: What we know about the new owner For emergency preparation resources and tips, visit the Kentucky Emergency Management website. Around 3 p.m. on Friday, Kentucky Emergency Management, alongside FEMA officials, announced that Disaster Recovery Centers across the state would be temporarily closed due to inclement weather. For the latest weather alerts, download the FOX 56 weather app. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Disaster Recovery Center opens in Hopkins County
HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – A Disaster Recovery Center is now open in Hopkins County to offer in-person support to Kentuckians who experienced loss from the April severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides. The Kentucky Emergency Management says FEMA representatives can explain available assistance programs, how to apply to FEMA and help connect survivors with resources for their recovery needs. KEM says this is located at the Hopkins County Fairgrounds at 605 E. Arch Street from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Saturday and 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Officials state representatives from the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance, the Kentucky Department of Insurance and the US Small Business Administration will also be available at the recovery centers to assist survivors. FEMA is encouraging Kentuckians affected to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible, and when applying, the following will need to be provided: A current phone number where you can be contacted. Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying. Your Social Security Number. A general list of damage and losses. Banking information if you choose direct deposit. If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name. Click here to learn more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Kentucky awaits Major Disaster Declaration approval with over 400 still sheltered
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Gov. Beshear gave an update to Kentuckians on Thursday afternoon after flooding killed seven people earlier this month. The governor said less than 200 roads are still closed as multiple bridge inspections continue. RELATED l Anderson County public safety officials announce helpful resource for flood victims Beshear said that on April 11, state leaders asked FEMA for individual assistance for 13 counties and federal help for 33 counties. He is still waiting to hear if that declaration was approved. 73 people are being sheltered at General Butler and Pennyrile Forest state resort parks, Beshear wrote. State leaders said that there are currently 25 shelters across the commonwealth, with 402 people being sheltered as of Thursday afternoon. Bourbon County double homicide case to be presented to grand jury Kentucky awaits Major Disaster Declaration approval with over 400 still sheltered Kentucky man sentenced for sexual crimes against children, family dog Kentucky residents affected by the floods can contact emergency management officials by completing the Commonwealth Disaster Needs Survey, by calling (502) 607-6665, or by visiting the Kentucky Emergency Management website. A full map of Kentucky's state roads, including closures due to traffic or weather hazards, can be found at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
