At least four people were injured and well over 20 homes were damaged or destroyed as an apparent tornado made its way across the southern half of Christian County early Saturday morning as part of a major outbreak of tornadoes that killed dozens of Kentuckians.
Hopkinsville Fire and EMS Lt. Payton Rogers says three patients were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries and one person with lacerations was evaluated by EMS, but refused a trip to the hospital. At least one of the injured individuals was a minor.
Christian County Sheriff Tyler DeArmond says trees, power lines and debris are down across more roads than anyone could count and the worst of the damage is in the Pembroke area.
Emergency Management Director Randy Graham says there’s a distinct path across the southern portion of Christian County.
Graham says the county was very fortunate to not have any serious injuries reported.
Grain bins were damaged by a large fire at Christian County Grain in Pembroke and Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department Chief Nick Belair says at least 20 homes were damaged.
Chief Belair said the worst of the damage was from Mason Lane to East Nashville Street.
Heavy damage and some of the injuries were also reported in the Herndon area—specifically on Palmyra Road.
Graham and the others said assessments would continue into the morning hours and more could be told in the daylight hours.
Travel to Pembroke should be avoided as roadways in and out of the town remain closed due to debris.
Todd County Emergency Management Director Daniel Smith reported damage to four mobile homes in Laster’s trailer park and widespread power outages and downed trees across the county, but no injuries.
Brent Gilkey with Pennyrile Electric says their system sustained widespread damage that will result in extended power outages to affected members. As they continue to assess the damage, they have reports of broken poles, as well as transmission and distribution lines down.
Photo below provided by Elizabeth Jones
