Kentucky’s federal delegation to Washington, D.C. has sent President Biden a letter requesting that he grant the governor’s request for a federal major disaster declaration for severe weather from the end of 2021 and beginning of 2022, including the New Year’s Day EF2 tornado that caused major damage in Hopkinsville.
The letter says in part, “We write today to call to your attention a February 4, 2022, letter from Governor Andy Beshear requesting a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Widespread damage due to heavy rains, tornadoes, and high winds led Governor Beshear to declare a State of Emergency on January 1, 2021. Some thirteen counties sustained significant damage to property and public infrastructure, including electrical power interruptions and water system failures.”
They continue, “Extensive flooding resulted in impassable roadways due to standing water, debris, landslides, and mudslides; additionally, the National Weather Service confirmed the touchdown of ten tornadoes on January 1, 2022. We appreciate your prompt consideration of this request, which will greatly assist Kentuckians and their communities in time of considerable need.”
The EF2 tornado with winds of 115 mph on the morning of January 1 affected 85 homes, 13 businesses and two churches in Hopkinsville. There were no injuries or deaths with that twister.
The declaration would be separate from the one for the December 10 and 11 tornadoes that devastated areas of western Kentucky.