Southeast Kentucky among areas hit hardest by Sunday thunderstorms

Southeast Kentucky was among the regions most impacted by severe thunderstorms Sunday evening.

The National Weather Service in Jackson says more than 100 instances of wind damage were reported in southeast Kentucky as a result of last evening’s severe thunderstorms.

A downed tree in Clay County also caused a non-life threatening injury. No substantial flooding has been reported.

Meteorologist Philomon Geertson says the area from Somerset to Hazard were hit the hardest.

“That kind of Kentucky Route 80, Hal Rogers Corridor and points south seem to have had the most extensive damage in terms of trees down, in terms of power lines knocked down and power outages,” Geertson said.

The National Weather Service is currently looking to confirm more damage in the region.

“We're also looking at the potential for tornado damage in the Corbin area, we actually have a storm survey team that has gone out this morning to look at some damage that was observed down there,” Geertson said.

A release from Kentucky Power, which services much of eastern Kentucky, says 11,440 of customers are currently without power. They expect total restoration to be a multi-day event.

Any downed trees or power lines should be reported to your local power company or to 911 in case of an immediate emergency. Downed lines can also be reported to the National Weather Service.

** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation .