After intense and deadly storms ravaged a large swath of the central United States over the weekend, Memorial Day weather woes will continue Monday – but with the diminished threat for extreme impacts this time around.
Powerful storms and suspected tornadoes were responsible for at least 19 deaths – including four children – when severe storms hit several states including Kentucky, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma over the weekend.
Harsh storms continued to pummel parts of Kentucky overnight and inflict damage on some communities, prompting Gov. Andy Beshear to issue a state of emergency early Monday. Phone lines in the Bowling Green area were knocked out, leading police to set up alternate emergency numbers for those who needed help.
The National Weather Service office in Paducah is sending out at least two storm survey teams Monday to assess damage, the office said.
Two storm-related deaths have been reported in the state – one in Mercer County and one about 70 miles away in Louisville.
Some relief is in store as the storm system moves east Monday, as its more violent and extreme impacts are expected to subside.
