2 years since deadly tornadoes ripped through western Kentucky, families are still rebuilding

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It's been two years since devastating tornadoes tore through western Kentucky, killing 81 people and leveling hundreds of homes just weeks before Christmas.

Gov. Andy Beshear visited survivors after the severe weather to help those who lost everything in the wake of the Dec. 9-10, 2021, storms. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden also visited with families who lost their homes.

Two years later and families are still rebuilding, picking up the pieces of what they lost and remembering those who died.

Saturday, several families were surprised with brand new homes. The Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund contributed $1 million to support the homes.

More than $21.6 million was committed from the fund to construct or repair 300 other homes.

The governor's office said to date 154 home-building projects have been completed, are under construction or have been approved to start construction.

IMAGES | Tornadoes devastate dozens of cities in western Kentucky

"Two years ago, we saw unimaginable destruction in western Kentucky, but we also saw that our people are unbreakable," Beshear said in a news release Saturday. "Today, we remember the 81 beloved children of God we lost that night."

The tornadoes left devastation in their wake, hitting the Mayfield, Dawson Springs and Bowling Green areas the hardest.

In Mayfield, a tornado slammed into a candle factory with more than 100 people still inside, killing nine people and leveling the building. Twenty-four people died in Graves County from the tornado. The candle factory has since been rebuilt in Hickory, just 10 minutes from Mayfield.

Two years ago, tragedy struck Western Kentucky.

But even in the darkest times, Kentuckians show up for each other. As Mr. Rogers said, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." I am so proud to be Governor of this kind, compassionate and strong state. pic.twitter.com/8ivMTwSlbK
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) December 10, 2023

In Taylor County, 70 families were displaced by the storms. In Dawson Springs, 14 people were killed when the tornado devastated the small town, destroying 65-70% of the community's homes and buildings.

In Warren County, a total of 17 people were killed in the storm that left behind destruction in Bowling Green.

In total, 3,778 homes, 183 businesses and 103 buildings were destroyed.

Fore more information about Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, click here.

To look at more of WDRB's coverage of the 2021 tornadoes, click here.