Severe Weather Hits Multiple States, Causing Destruction and Injuries

SPRINGFIELD, Ky. (AP) — The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings for parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia on Friday, hours after a harsh storm hit a remote area of central Kentucky, killing one person and injuring seven others.

Damage and Injuries in Kentucky

In Kentucky, Washington County Judge-executive Timothy Graves said two or three houses were destroyed, and downed trees temporarily blocked roads. Graves expressed gratitude that the storm occurred in a remote part of the county, minimizing the potential for more extensive damage and injuries.

“We were fortunate this was located in a remote part of the county,” Graves said.

Government Response and Warnings

Gov. Andy Beshear canceled a visit planned for Friday to Pulaski and Laurel counties, which were hit by a tornado earlier this month. That storm left 19 dead in the state. Officials were responding to reports of a possible tornado in Washington County, he said in a social media post.

“This level of severe weather was unexpected, with a system still moving through the state,” Beshear said. “We also expect to see additional storms today with Eastern and Southeastern Kentucky facing a risk of more severe weather.”

Assessment of Damage

The National Weather Service’s office in Louisville, Kentucky, said a crew surveying damage Friday in Washington County was following a damage path that may enter neighboring Mercer County. By midday, the crew had found “at least” EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale tornado damage in southwestern Washington County, the office said in a social media post.

Three of the injured people were taken to University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington. County Emergency Management Director Kevin Devine said the county was not expecting harsh weather Friday morning.

Request for Public Cooperation

In a social media post, the sheriff’s office asked people to stay home to allow emergency workers to do their jobs.

Severe Weather in Tennessee

In Tennessee, multiple people were injured when severe weather hit the Philadelphia area of Loudon County, on Friday morning, the county sheriff’s office said in a social media post. The weather service’s office in Morristown later preliminarily confirmed in a social media post that an EF0 tornado struck near the border of Loudon and Monroe counties.

Impact on Air Travel

On Friday evening, Air Force One circled for an hour because of severe weather. The presidential aircraft bringing President Donald Trump back from a trip to Pennsylvania was supposed to land at 7:50 p.m. but bypassed Joint Base Andrews and instead circled over the eastern shore of Maryland and Virginia and headed back north after crossing over Virginia Beach.

Air Force One landed just over an hour late in pouring rain. Trump stood outside sans umbrella and spoke to reporters after he descended from the plane.

Tornado in Georgia

Also on Friday, National Weather Service surveyors said a Thursday afternoon tornado near Atlanta reached top wind speeds estimated at 135 mph (217 kph), throwing the son of actor Tray Chaney nearly 300 feet (91 meters) from the second-floor window of his home and leaving him with critical injuries.

The storm, rated EF2, damaged about a dozen houses in a subdivision in Locust Grove, about 30 miles (45 kilometers) southeast of the city. Residents told news outlets they had no advance warning of the twister, which meteorologists said dropped out of a thunderstorm that had shown weak and broad rotation. The tornado was on the ground for 5 minutes, covering 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers).

Personal Account of the Tornado

Along one street, the tornado ripped off siding and shingles, blowing out windows. Damage was worst at the Chaney home, which was destroyed except for one interior closet on the first floor where clothes were still hanging.

Malachi Chaney, the son, was found in nearby woods and taken to an Atlanta hospital. Tray Chaney, best known for his role on “The Wire,” said his son remained hospitalized in intensive care on Friday, with injuries including broken ribs and fractured bones in his face. Tray Chaney said he suffered a bruise on the head. In a video recorded shortly thereafter, Chaney said he wished he could trade places with his son, who just completed his freshman year at Savannah State University.

“I wish he was the one that was doing the video, and I was still in the ICU,” Tray Chaney said.

Series of Tornadoes in Georgia

It was the third round of tornadoes in northern Georgia this week, with the weather service confirming three weaker twisters northwest of Atlanta on Sunday and three more tornadoes west of the city on Tuesday.

Conclusion

The severe weather events that occurred across multiple states resulted in significant damage, injuries, and loss of life. The importance of staying informed about weather conditions and following evacuation orders cannot be overstated. As the affected areas begin the process of recovery, it is crucial for communities to come together and support those who have been impacted by these devastating storms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What states were affected by the severe weather?

A: The states affected by the severe weather included Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, and Georgia.

Q: How many people were injured in Kentucky?

A: Seven people were injured in Kentucky, with three of them being taken to the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington.

Q: What was the rating of the tornado that struck near Atlanta?

A: The tornado that struck near Atlanta was rated EF2, with top wind speeds estimated at 135 mph (217 kph).

Q: What was the extent of the damage caused by the tornado in Georgia?

A: The tornado damaged about a dozen houses in a subdivision in Locust Grove, with the worst damage being at the Chaney home, which was destroyed except for one interior closet on the first floor.

Q: How can I stay safe during severe weather events?

A: To stay safe during severe weather events, it is essential to stay informed about weather conditions, follow evacuation orders, and seek shelter in a safe location. It is also crucial to have a plan in place, including a emergency kit and a safe place to go in case of an emergency.