Clean-up begins in Elizabethtown after EF2 tornado strikes

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky (WDRB) -- Emergency management officials say the EF2 tornado in Elizabethtown traveled about five miles, starting at Gaither Road and then ending up at Hodgenville Road where trees snapped like toothpicks and cars were crushed by falling limbs.

Resident Charles Rudd's life completely shifted 24 hours ago. "I was at the door and the door was open and we watched it [the tornado] go through," recalls Rudd. "Watched the old freight train go by."

The tornado, packing 125 mile an hour winds, punched its way through southern Hardin County. Rudd and his wife rode out the storm at the Pinetree Mobile Home Park. By Thursday morning, the devastation had punctured Rudd's rough exterior. "Never ask for help, and we're still not going to ask for help," cried Rudd who had to walk away from the interview.

His home was one of 11 damaged at the park. "It's unbelievable how the wind can do this in a tornado. The dumpster which probably weighs 1,000 pounds was lifted up and carried over into another man's backyard," describes Ron Hines, the owner of the mobile home park.

He's amazed at how selective Mother Nature can be. "Yet some of the mobile homes where it just barely missed them, even touched, are made out of sheet metal," says Hines.

Sounds of clean-up filled this neighborhood on Hodgenville Road as crews worked to clear fallen trees. "Today we're coming by to get names, specific addresses and fill out damage assessment reports that we send up to the state," says Hardin County Emergency Management Deputy Director Doug Finlay.

He's hoping Governor Steve Beshear signs off an emergency declaration. "It tells the governor we need help beyond our resources," says Finlay.

But for the near future Finlay's biggest concern is another severe storm expected Friday -- a one-two punch some storm victims might not recover from.

The Better Business Bureau says unfortunately this can be a time for scam artists, folks trying to make a quick buck and a quick repair on a damaged house. A spokeswoman suggests making sure they have a reputable license.