December 11, 2021

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency early Saturday morning and asked President Joe Biden for federal assistance after a deadly storm swept through the Bluegrass State overnight.

“It’s devastating,” Beshear said during a news conference, adding that he had activated the National Guard in Kentucky. More than 180 guardsmen have deployed to areas in Western Kentucky, the hardest-hit section of the state.

Beshear said early estimates have placed the death toll in Kentucky at 50 but said that it could likely rise “significantly north of that.” He advised residents who are safe to avoid areas and roads where crews are assisting with emergency operations.

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