LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The National Weather Service confirmed at least one tornado was an EF-3 with wind speeds of 150 miles per hour in Bowling Green.
At least 12 storm related deaths have been confirmed in Bowling Green. The Warren County Coroner says 11 deaths occurred in the city while another person died in the county.
In Bowling Green, a survey team confirmed a tornado went from a width of 250 yards to a quarter of a mile width near Veterans Memorial Lane. On Saturday morning, Warren Co. Judge Executive Mike Buchanan said at least 500 homes and 100 businesses were damaged.
Crews are still looking for people possibly trapped in badly damaged homes and piles of debris.
"We've got an extensive operation out there with search and rescue," Chief Justin Brooks with Bowling Green Fire Department said. "We've completed the primary and secondary searches, and now we're going to get into the debris, the search of debris."
A dog stands in the street surrounded by the aftermath of a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Father and son, Kenny Sanford, right, and Colby Sanford, carry out a dresser from Colby's grandmother's tornado-damaged home in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across several states late Friday, killing multiple people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Dog owner Derrick Starks, left, Chris Buchanan, center and Niki Thompson, right, both from neighboring counties, attempt to rescue Cheyenne from a tornado-damaged home in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing dozens of people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Local firefighters, EMS and first responders check for survivors trapped in homes and vehicles in the neighborhood off Creekwood Avenue in Bowling Green, Ky., early Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (Grace Ramey/Daily News via AP)
A car sits among the remains of a destroyed house after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
The remains of Dawson Springs Primitive Baptist Church after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Dr. Milton West, senior minister of First Christian Church, talks about the damage done to the church and the plans for recovery after an outdoor service was held Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Mayfield, Ky. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across several states Friday, killing multiple people. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
A woman searches for valuables amidst the remnants of a home on Saturday, Dec.11, 2021, on Highway F in Defiance, Mo. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday. (Christian Gooden/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)
Emergency response workers dig through the rubble of the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
IMAGES: Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
A refrigerator wedged in a tree in Dawson Springs, Ky. on Dec. 12.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
The remains of a house's kitchen after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
A dog stands in the street surrounded by the aftermath of a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Dena Ausdorn stands at the remains of her home after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. Ausdorn has lived there for 28 years and lost two of her dogs with another left paralyzed after the tornado. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Father and son, Kenny Sanford, right, and Colby Sanford, carry out a dresser from Colby's grandmother's tornado-damaged home in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across several states late Friday, killing multiple people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Members of the community work to clear debris off of a car after a tornado off in Bowling Green, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Dog owner Derrick Starks, left, Chris Buchanan, center and Niki Thompson, right, both from neighboring counties, attempt to rescue Cheyenne from a tornado-damaged home in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing dozens of people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Local firefighters, EMS and first responders check for survivors trapped in homes and vehicles in the neighborhood off Creekwood Avenue in Bowling Green, Ky., early Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (Grace Ramey/Daily News via AP)
A car sits among the remains of a destroyed house after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
The remains of Dawson Springs Primitive Baptist Church after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Dr. Milton West, senior minister of First Christian Church, talks about the damage done to the church and the plans for recovery after an outdoor service was held Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Mayfield, Ky. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across several states Friday, killing multiple people. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Early morning frost covers a chair sitting in a destroyed home Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Mayfield, Ky. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across several states Friday, killing multiple people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Emergency response workers dig through the rubble of the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
A family digs through the remains of their apartment in Mayfield, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
A woman searches for valuables amidst the remnants of a home on Saturday, Dec.11, 2021, on Highway F in Defiance, Mo. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday. (Christian Gooden/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)
Damage from a tornado is seen in downtown Mayfield, Ky. on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Authorities survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Emergency response workers dig through the rubble of the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
Brooks expects the operation to carry on for the next few days.
"It will go until dark, and then will pick up when daylight breaks the next day," Brooks said. "So stay patient. We're doing our best."
An emergency shelter has been set up at Jennings Creek Elementary School.
At Western Kentucky University there was no serious damage and no injuries, but the graduation ceremony was canceled. The university said a relative of one student was killed in off-campus residence.
Western Kentucky University will reopen its campus on Monday and Tuesday, but the school will not be "conducting business as usual," according to WKU president Timothy C. Caboni.
In an email message to WKU students, staff and personnel, Caboni encouraged people to volunteer with local organizations and relief agencies.
Related Stories:
- How to help victims impacted by the tornadoes in western Kentucky
- Storm leaves death and destruction in Bowling Green
- An aerial look at the tornado destruction near WKU in Bowling Green
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