Paducah, KY – At approximately 9:20 AM, first responders were notified of a tornado in West Paducah. All first response agencies in McCracken County are currently on scene, as well as Kentucky State Police Post 1 from Mayfield.
Approximately five square miles of Western McCracken County were affected by the tornado, including Mt. Zion Pre-school Center at 9701 Blandville Road. There were forty students at the Pre-school at the time of the incident, and although the building received damage, no children or instructors were injured.
Currently there is only one confirmed non-life-threatening injury due to the tornado. First responders are checking all residences in the area to ensure everyone’s safety. The American Red Cross is prepared to establish shelter to provide assistance to displaced families that may have been affected by the incident. They are currently operating an evacuation center at Broadway United Methodist Church for residents effected by the storm. This center will be to assist with immediate needs and to provide information.
Currently several roads are shut down due to debris and down power lines. Those roads are HWY 62 east of McKendree Church Road, and HWY 286 east of McKendree Church Road. All traffic into those areas are being diverted across McKendree Church Road to US HWY 60. Traffic traveling on Blandville Road, westbound, is being diverted to Fisher Road and then to US HWY 60.
If you have any damage to report you can contact Emergency Management at 270-448-1530. We are requesting the public to stay clear of any downed power lines. Numerous linemen are on scene to restore power to the area. At this time there is no estimated time for power to be restored. The McCracken County Judge Executive’s Office has declared a State of Emergency for the county.
The McCracken County Sheriff’s Department, the Kentucky State Police, and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife officers will have directed patrols the area. Any trespassers or looters will be arrested and prosecuted. If you do not reside in the affected area, please stay clear to allow crews to effectively do their jobs.
Paducah National Weather Service photo.