LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Friday's storms have passed but heavy damage across the Commonwealth is being assessed as recovery efforts continue Sunday.
Storms with near-hurricane-force winds ripped through the Bluegrass Friday causing massive power outages and damage throughout the state.
As of late Sunday, five weather-related deaths were reported in Kentucky.
Gov. Andy Beshear reported that the first death occurred in Simpson County; he then reported deaths in Edmonson and Logan Counties.
"Let's continue to be there for one another as we mourn these losses," tweeted Gov. Beshear.
The Fayette County Coroner's Office reported a death in Lexington after a tree fell on a car. Officials say the car was blocked by a tree in the road. As one of the occupants attempted to remove the tree, another limb fell on the car, seriously injuring one and killing another.
The Fayette County Coroner identified the victim as 41-year-old Erica Yeary.
Gov. Beshear held a briefing Saturday morning to give updates on the storm damages and outages across the Bluegrass.
In regard to the outages, Beshear said, "When it comes to power, this is going to be a multi-day event."
Gov. Beshear reported a fifth storm-related death as an 84-year-old Bath County man.
Our Storm Tracker Weather Team recorded two wind gusts of 70 mph at Blue Grass Airport around 3:30 p.m.
We've just recorded two wind gusts at the Blue Grass Airport to 70 mph, just under hurricane force. They've occurred on the back end of the t-storm line and now sun has emerged. A squall line east of I-75 is also causing high gusts in east central Kentucky.#kywx pic.twitter.com/wtdbrOlGfw
— Bill Meck (@BillMeck) March 3, 2023
As of 1 p.m. Sunday, roughly 225,000 people were still in the dark across the state, with just over 37,000 customers without power in Fayette County and just over 65,000 customers without power in Jefferson County.
To view current outages, click here.
"Our crews are working safely and as quickly as possible to restore power to all impacted customers," tweeted LG&E and KU.
Power outages also plagued passengers at Bluegrass Airport Friday night.
There were multiple cancellations and delays due to power issues and the high winds outside, with one group of passengers waiting hours for an Allegiant flight to Orlando.
It left fliers like Donna Campell frustrated.
"Well, we're all waiting and waiting. What happens? They tell everybody it's canceled flight, get out, go. Rude," Campbell said.
"We're all tired. We're all frustrated. We have places to go, people to see, things to do. We don't need this."
After a near six hour wait, the Allegiant flight passengers were told they had been rebooked on a flight for Saturday morning.
Bluegrass Airport tweeted Saturday morning that power had been restored but still urges fliers to check their flight status to be safe.
As winds ramped up, so did reports of damage throughout Kentucky.
Debris flew off of the Fayette County Courthouse and into the street:
A tree fell into a home in Somerset:
Trees and limbs caused damage on Pemberton Street in Lexington:
The Castlewood neighborhood in Lexington also suffered damage:
As the sun came up Saturday, more damage became visible in Lexington including a massive tree, close to 300 years old that was ripped from the ground by the strong winds.
A closer look at this fallen tree - the base is at least double my height. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/sjzibJgOQL
— Evelyn Schultz (@EvelynSchultzTV) March 4, 2023
To view more photos of storm damage, click here.
Officials have asked Fayette County residents to report any property damage by filling out this online form.
