Mayfield Fatalities Exceed 50
Over 200 miles of Tornadic Activity in 4 States
TeamWKYReliefFund.ky.gov Needs Your Help
Two EF 3, One EF 2, Two EF 1 Tornadoes in Kentucky
During the night of December 11, 2021, tornadoes of biblical proportion stretched from Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, and Kentucky, uprooting whatever was in its direct path.
Kentucky and the southeast area had just gone through several days of unseasonably high temperatures in the 60’s when a low pressure wave brought down a Canadian clipper, a stream of arctic air mass.
The sudden change in clashing temperatures, spawned perhaps the worst string of tornadoes in modern history, over 200 miles of tornadic activity.
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, one law of nature and physics that may explain how rapid and forceful the low pressure was when it sucked the cold blast into the area.
Perhaps the worst hit area is Mayfield, Kentucky, a quaint town of only about 10,000 population.
The town looks like it was struck by an atom bomb. Survivors are grateful to be alive.
Employees in a Mayfield candle factory were busy trying to get out holiday supply lines of product when the EF 3 140-mile-per-hour tornado struck.
The force imploded their workspace, collapsing the walls and roof; and, killing an estimated 50 or more coworkers.
The few who got out tried desperately to pull others out, but some were nonresponsive.
With temperatures two degrees below freezing last night and on Dec. 12, chances of finding survivors in the candle factory debris are not good.
The National Weather Service assessed five tornadoes with the strengths shown below:
- Bowling Green & Galoma EF 3
- Hardyville, EF 2
- Horse Cave & Ralls of Rough, EF 1
Gov. Andy Beshear got a disaster declaration approved by the White House so FEMA may send help.
Many Kentucky cities already sent human and machine resources to Mayfield to help, if possible.
The state set up operation “Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund” which is now live at TeamWKYReliefFund.ky.gov.” *(1)
The Governor’s Executive Order prohibits price gouging during this declaration of emergency. *(2)
180 National Guard troops, state police, and other state employees are in the area to help clear roadways, debris, maintain order, and help as much as possible.
State lodges are being offered to house people displaced from their homes.
Cross References:
*(1) Governor’s press release, 3 p.m., 12/11/21
https://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=GovernorBeshear&prId=1101
*(2) Governor’s press release earlier on 12/11/21, No price gouging Exec. Order
https://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=GovernorBeshear&prId=1100
