Christian County Fiscal Court had its hands full Tuesday morning, reviewing what was a hectic weekend in south western Kentucky.
Straight-line winds waylaid the state line this past Sunday, and much like December 2021, south of Hopkinsville once again bore the brunt of the damage.
Emergency Management Director Randy Graham said the primary issues are still downed powerlines and roadways closed — but homes, businesses and storage units were not unscathed.
And those numbers do not reflect the total amount of rural area struck.
From his notes, and as of Tuesday morning:
— More than 6,000 Christian Countians were still without power.
— More than 100 power poles had been damaged or destroyed, and needed to be replaced.
— More than 300 workers from other locations have arrived and are working with Pennyrile Electric to restore service.
— HES had a major TVA line that went down, but several substations have been restored.
— And the total damages are going to far exceed the threshold necessary to request FEMA assistance, leading to the state of emergency declaration.
Graham estimated the total costs from the storm will exceed $10 million.
Sites for debris and tree burning staging sites haven’t been determined, but they will be soon. As such, several piles will remain on the sides of the road.
The National Weather Service, Graham added, will be sending in a survey team potentially by Wednesday afternoon — in order to review damage paths.
Among the many locations still without power in Christian County: the region’s Animal Shelter. Director Melissa Goff noted they can take in strays and cash only for adoptions, but no one is currently allowed in the building at this time.
Due to the power outage, Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam confirmed he currently is housing rabies vaccinations from the shelter in his own refrigerator — in order to keep them viable.
Gilliam also lauded Christian County’s emergency response and volunteer squads, which not only answered the calls of their constituents, but also for mutual aid in southern Hopkins County and Muhlenberg County — which experienced a devastating EF3 tornado with confirmed winds of at least 165 miles per hour.
Furthermore, Gilliam praised the efforts of Oak Grove Tourism. Saturday’s “Spring Into Summer Salutes Fort Campbell” Festival saw Poison frontman and “the old rocker” Bret Michaels perform in front of a packed crowd. Activities had to be canceled Sunday, due to inclement weather.
