People search through a tornado damaged building.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency early Saturday morning and asked President Joe Biden for federal assistance after a deadly storm swept through the state overnight.
Beshear said during the news conference that he had activated the National Guard in Kentucky. Western Kentucky is the hardest-hit section of the state.
The death toll in Kentucky is currently 50, but Beshear said that it could rise significantly north of that. He advised residents to avoid areas where crews are assisting with emergency operations.
A wide swath of destruction was caused by an outbreak of at least 30 tornadoes. If the tornado stayed on the ground, it would be one of the longest tornadoes in US history.
Beshear said that the tornado that hit Western Kentucky struck the city of Mayfield before moving northeast through several towns. More than 100 people were working at a candle manufacturing plant during the storm, according to the governor. The facility is believed to be the site of mass casualties.
Western Kentucky University's graduation ceremonies were canceled due to extensive damage in Bowling Green.
WKU networks and phone lines are affected by tornado damage. There are no reported injuries on the WKU campus and the university is in contact with all residential staff.
President Biden said in a statement Saturday morning that he was in touch with state and local officials as the search for survivors and damage assessments continued.
The Senate Republican leader issued a statement after the tornadoes.
I am praying for the lives lost and communities that have been devastated by the tornado. McConnell thanked the first responders and the National Guard for their bravery.
As I continue to get reports from my staff, local and state officials, we will work with the entire Kentucky federal delegation to support Governor Andy Beshear's request for federal assistance in order to aid these hard-hit communities with the funding and resources they need to rebuild.
In a statement on Saturday, Senator Paul said his team is working with local and state officials.
Our hearts are broken for those who were affected by the storms. Paul wrote that he and his team would do all they could to assist local and state officials as they lead the immediate response.
