STAFF REPORT
GlasgowNews1
Severe storms that appeared to include at least one tornado left a path of destruction across southern Kentucky on Tuesday afternoon, with Hart County among the hardest-hit areas.
According to the National Weather Service, a powerful line of severe weather moved through Hart, Metcalfe, Cumberland and Butler counties. A trained weather spotter reported a large and dangerous tornado on the ground near Munfordville as the storm crossed Hart County.
Local officials say damage was especially heavy along the U.S. 31-W corridor in Hart County, particularly in the Rowletts and Woodsonville communities. Caveland Golf Course and the Hart County Fairgrounds in Rowletts both reported significant damage.
Additional damage was reported along U.S. 31-E in the Uno community and in several other locations throughout Hart County, including areas along Lonoke Road and Bunnell Crossing.
The storms did not stop at the county line. As the system moved east into Green and Metcalfe County, damage was reported along Kentucky 80.
In downtown Edmonton, therer was damage around the public square. Additional destruction was also reported in the Gascon community and along the Kentucky 80 corridor.
Damage was also reported in portions of Butler and Cumberland counties as the storm tracked across the region. Authorities were still gathering detailed reports on the scope and severity of that damage Tuesday evening.
Power outages added to the disruption. Farmers RECC and Kentucky Utilities reported that thousands of customers were without electricity across the affected area as crews worked to restore service.
Emergency responders and local officials were assessing damage Tuesday evening and checking on residents in the hardest-hit neighborhoods. Cleanup efforts were beginning at damaged homes, businesses and community facilities.
Residents in the affected areas are being urged to avoid damaged locations, watch for downed power lines and debris, and continue monitoring guidance from local officials as recovery efforts continue. Authorities also urge drivers to use caution on roads where debris or utility work may still be present.
The National Weather Service is expected to conduct storm surveys in the coming days to determine whether the damage was caused by one or more tornadoes and to assign official ratings based on the severity and path of the storms.
KEY FACTS
• Powerful line of severe storms moved through southern Kentucky Tuesday afternoon
• Trained spotter reported a large, dangerous tornado near Munfordville in Hart County
• Hart County saw extensive damage along U.S. 31-W and U.S. 31-E, including Rowletts, Woodsonville and Uno
• Caveland Golf Course and Hart County Fairgrounds in Rowletts reported significant damage
• Storm continued into Metcalfe County, damaging areas along Kentucky 80 and around downtown Edmonton
• Additional damage reported in parts of Cumberland and Butler counties
• Farmers RECC and Kentucky Utilities reported thousands of customers without power
• Emergency crews are assessing damage and the National Weather Service will survey the storm track
• Residents are urged to avoid damaged areas and watch for downed power lines and debris
• Local officials in Horse Cave, Munfordville and Hart County reported damage
