1 dead, multiple injured after confirmed tornado in Washington County, Kentucky

POTTSVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- At least one person was killed and several others were injured after a tornado touched down in Washington County, Kentucky, in the Pottsville area early Friday. 

The National Weather Service in Louisville originally stated on X that "at least EF1 damage" was found in southeastern Kentucky. A subsequent post indicated it was an EF2 tornado with sustained winds of 125 mph. Survey crews are continuing to assess the damage and will provide updates as available.

Washington County Sheriff Jerry Pinkston confirmed that one person died during the early morning storms, and seven others were injured.

The victim was identified Saturday afternoon by Kentucky State Police as 48-year-old Ronnie Hill of Springfield.

Jeremy Cocanougher with Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in Danville said early Friday that the hospital received at least 20 patients from Washington County after the storm, but later said it treated 13 people. Three of those patients were transferred to other hospitals out of town. He said the hospital implemented its mass casualty protocol, until staff got a handle on the situation.

There are also reports of widespread storm damage, downed utility poles, trees snapped, and buildings destroyed. 

The sheriff's office posted numerous photos of the damage on its Facebook page.

One of those buildings was the two-story residence of Mahlon Jirod. All that remains now is concrete slabs, along with furniture, an overturned car, and debris scattered everywhere.

"All of the sudden, the wind came, and before they knew it they were out in the yard," Jirod said. "They were just in a daze."  

Now family, friends and neighbors are helping the family of 14 pick up the pieces.

During a news briefing Friday morning, Washington County Judge-Executive Timothy Graves said officials believe "we had a small tornado" that destroyed two houses. He said it was fortunate that the destruction was confined to a remote area, "but it was devastating." He asked community members to keep the victims in their prayers. 

Gov. Andy Beshear canceled a visit planned for Friday to Pulaski and Laurel counties, which were hit by a tornado earlier this month. That storm left 19 dead in the state. Officials were responding to reports of a possible tornado in Washington County, he said in a social media post.

"This level of severe weather was unexpected, with a system still moving through the state," Beshear said. "We also expect to see additional storms today with Eastern and Southeastern Kentucky facing a risk of more severe weather. Please be alert this morning and stay safe."

A tornado warning for Washington County was issued around 6:49 a.m., and officials believe the tornado touched down around 7 a.m. Emergency Management Director Kevin Devine said the first calls about storm damage came in around 11 minutes later. 

First responders encountered trees blocking Long Run Road, where most of the damage was concentrated. Crews quickly used chainsaws to clear the downed trees so first responders could get through. Five people were taken to hospitals by ambulance, Devine said, and another two people self-transported. 

The coroner retrieved the body of the victim, who has not yet been identified. 

Devine said power in the area has been shut off while crews continue to remove storm debris. 

When asked about reports that residents didn't hear a tornado warning siren, Devine noted that the closest siren is in Springfield. He said there was a small amount of flash flooding on some roads, but they quickly reopened. He said he received RAVE alerts about the storm and suggested people sign up for those as well. 

A 3-year-old girl reported missing early on was quickly found, Devine said, and taken to University of Kentucky hospital. "She was found about when I got here," Jirod said, "under a tree crying."

Washington County officials held a news briefing late Friday morning. CLICK HERE to watch the interview in its entirety or view it in the player below. 

The National Weather Service issued several severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings Friday morning for Hart, Larue, Green, Marion and Washington counties. 

In a social media post, the Washington County sheriff’s office asked people to stay home to allow emergency workers to do their jobs.

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