Union County Emergency Management Director Lee Baird reported Saturday evening that the National Weather Service Survey Team determined that an EF-3 tornado touched down on the south side of Morganfield Friday night.
Following Friday night’s severe weather, Union County Emergency Management Director Lee Baird reported damage in the area of Ed Ricketts Road, with damage and injuries on Highway 130 near Robinson Road. Judge-Executive Adam O’Nan reported on social media Friday night that all the injuries appeared to be minor, but they had major damage.
click to download audioHe also requested that individuals refrain from offering assistance to those impacted by the tornado as of right now.
click to download audioOfficials with the Union County Sheriff’s Office were only allowing authorized access to Robinson Road, Terre Hill, and Ed Rickets Road following the tornado to preserve the safety and security of the citizens, homeowners, and their property. They also said there would be heavy patrols in and around these areas for some time.
According to the storm survey released by the National Weather Service in Paducah Sunday afternoon, the EF3 tornado had peak winds of 155 mph that impacted the south side of Morganfield. The tornado began along Bunger Road and then moved east, intensifying and causing EF-3 damage to several homes on Highway 130, Robinson Road, US Highway 60, Terre Hill Road, and Wildlife Road. Some homes reportedly suffered near-catastrophic damage, with most roofs and most exterior walls removed. As the tornado moved east across Highway 56, the survey says it weakened and lifted near Kit Harris Road. The tornado’s peak width of around 500 yards caused four minor injuries along its 9.94-mile track.
