Ky. Gov. Inks Executive Order Following Storms

Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher has signed an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Beginning on July 13, and continuing for several days, widespread severe weather occurred across Kentucky producing heavy rainfall, strong winds and hail, resulting in damages, power outages, damage to public and private property and road closures.

“As Governor of Kentucky, I want to do all I can to ensure that Kentucky families are cared for during this time of emergency,” said the Governor. “By signing this executive order, I am starting the process of obtaining federal assistance to aid in the recovery of these vicious storms.”

Local emergency declarations have been issued in at least 14 counties including Butler, Barren, Breckinridge, Edmonson, Grayson, Green, Hardin, Hart, Larue, Meade, Muhlenberg, Taylor, Washington, and Warren. Nine cities have declared local emergencies as well.

Preliminary damage assessments have indicated more than $4.3 million dollars in damage. To date, 133 homes and businesses have been destroyed or have obtained major damage. Those numbers are expected to rise even higher as more information and damage assessments are completed throughout the Commonwealth.