(LEX 18) — Gov. Andy Beshear said Kentucky is still working on figuring out exactly how many tornadoes hit yesterday.
"By the end of this, we may well be looking at seven plus different tornadoes that have touched down," said Beshear. "Certainly, a number of counties impacted either by a tornado or very significant storms."
According to the Governor's Office, as of 2 p.m. Wednesday, there have been confirmed EF-1 tornadoes in Anderson, Bourbon, Nelson, and Jessamine Counties and in Prospect across Jefferson and Oldham Counties. Possible tornadoes are also being evaluated in Boyd, Harlan, Shelby and Simpson counties.
The governor also confirmed one weather-related death.
"This came in Campbell County in a car accident from that first line of strong storms and rain coming through," Beshear said. "The better news is outside of that, we haven't even had major injuries reported."
Beshear emphasized the significance of that, given how many communities were hit.
"This weather that we face these days is dangerous and because everybody was prepared, with the exception of the tragic loss of the young man, everybody is ok," he said.
Straight-line wind damage has also been confirmed in Fayette, Mercer, Spencer and Woodford counties. In total, damage has been reported in more than 20 counties, according to the Governor's Office.
"This storm and the tornadoes involved had statewide impacts, hitting numerous areas across the state," said Beshear. "That's one of the reasons that I am so thankful that Kentuckians have remained so weather aware."
However, Beshear expressed concern that Kentucky could continue to see an increased level of severe weather, as it has over the last few years. So, LEX 18 News asked the governor if the state should consider adjusting the way it builds to better prepare for future weather events. The governor responded by saying yes.
"We are changing the way we build our infrastructure," said Beshear. "We're even changing the way we build homes."
"We've got to make sure the materials we're using - that's everything from siding to nails to the rest - are the type that can withstand what they face," he added. "And I believe that we can do that when it comes to an EF-1 and an EF-2. Now, what came through the West is pretty tough and we want to do the best that we can there. But more severe weather is not just our future, it's our present."
Counties are starting the Federal Individual Assistance and Public Assistance Damage Assessments today. Those who have experienced storm damage should take photographs before cleaning up and report the damages to the local county emergency management officials, according to the Governor's Office.
People with questions about how to proceed with their insurance company after a disaster can find resources online at insurance.ky.gov or they can call the Department of Insurance at 502-564-3630.
