Mayfield-Graves County Regional Emergency Operations Center Update
Please take note of NEW and UPDATE notations
The Regional Emergency Operations Center at Mayfield is coordinating a multi-agency response to the catastrophic tornado that caused major damage in Mayfield/Graves County and areas of Marshall County.
The EOC continues to refine contact numbers and drop-off locations for donations and points of contact for families in need of assistance.
Please review the following information as there are significant changes from today’s situational assessment that include specific phone numbers and other information that will be helpful to the public. Please delete any previous postings as information such as phone numbers and drop off locations may have changed.
All information about ongoing efforts coordinated by the EOC will be posted at https://www.facebook.com/Graves-County-Office-of-Emergency-Management.
Fulton County Status Report
Fulton County Emergency Management reports the county fared better than Mayfield/Graves County. However, they still have some substantial issues. Fulton County had 1 fatality, has 23 homes that are a total loss, and 3 businesses lost. The Cayce Fire Department headquarters and much of their equipment was wiped out by the tornado. At this time, the county has limited sporadic cell service using a temporary tower and most internet services are down. The community is overwhelmed with the generosity of the many who have sent supplies and equipment their way.
Hickman County Status Report
Hickman County Emergency Management reports one person missing with ongoing effort to sort it out. Power was out for about 90 percent of the county after the storm swept through. However, most power and cell service came back online late Tuesday night. About 60 families are still without power and crews are working to restore power to those location. Four large TVA transmission line towers were toppled in the county. Teams are running welfare checks on county residents with an emphasis on individuals with medial issues. The county has ample supplies of water and food at this time. Thanks to everyone for your continued support.
Supply Distribution Locations (UPDATED)
Distribution points for water, food and other supplies have been established. These Point of Distribution (POD) locations will offer pick-up for basic materials to supply families and individuals with enough food and water for approximately three days. Each family will then rotate through to receive another three-day supply. PODs will be open 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST. Individuals who are picking up supplies should exercise patience and use caution for their safety and the safety of workers. Donations of supplies will not be accepted at these POD locations. The airport is not a location to receive supplies.
Graves County Fairgrounds (Drive-Through Only) Items Available: Food, water, generators, baby supplies and cleaning supplies. 101 Housman Street Mayfield, KY
Mayfield High School (Drive-Through Only) Items Available: Food, water, baby supplies and cleaning supplies. 700 Douthitt Street Mayfield, KY
High Point Baptist Church Items Available: Food and water. 220 Farthing Street (9th & Farthing)
No Burning in the City of Mayfield
A Mayfield city ordinance prohibits the burning of debris. No burn permits will be issued. There is concern about the possibility of asbestos and other hazardous materials intermingled with limbs and other debris. Any debris fires will be immediately extinguished, and the owner cited for illegal burning. All debris should be hauled to the landfill.
Welfare Checks (UPDATED)
Crews continue welfare checks on people in their homes that have no power along the tornado corridor. These crews will have water and some food supplies for distribution. By this time, any food stored in refrigerators that are without power should be considered unsafe for consumption and thrown away.
Supply Donations and Drop-off Location (NEW)
At this time, the donations of water, clothing and household items are sufficient. Please delay any donations of these items. There is an immediate need for:
Generators
NEW red gas and yellow diesel cans. Used cans will not be accepted.
Electric and propane heaters
Extension cords (15-100 ft.)
Power strips
Tarps
These items may be donated at 1 General Tire Way, Mayfield, KY (the old General Tire plant). If you have specific goods or resources to offer please indicate the capability and availability here https://bit.ly/graveskydonate.
Mayfield-Graves County Tornado Relief Fund
An account to handle cash donations has been set up through Independence Bank. Donations may be directed to the fund via Independence Bank, P.O. Box 9, Fancy Farm, Kentucky 42034 or online at https://gofund.me/3dabe793. This account will be used to assist individuals in the tornado corridor.
Volunteer Coordination – West KY Area
At this time, the response effort has sufficient volunteers. However, there will be a need for volunteers in the coming weeks as the recovery advances. Volunteers should be part of an organized group with a specific mission in mind. In the coming weeks, volunteers will be needed to assist individual home and business owners with clean-up efforts. Groups from the local area who are organizing volunteers to assist with clean-up efforts in coming weeks should call the Tornado Volunteer Hotline at 270-216-0903 or email their information to Mayfieldvolunteers@gmail.com. Please include the number of volunteers in your group, types of assistance you can provide, and times your group can be available. You can also go to the following webpage to sign up: https://surveyhero.com\c\viuf4h7p
Transportation (UPDATED)
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 1 crews and area road departments are on-site assisting the Graves County Highway Maintenance Crew with efforts to clear as many city streets and county roads as possible. This project is about 95 percent complete. Since Sunday, more than 1,530 loads of material have been removed totaling more than 17,800 cubic yards of material. U.S. 45 is cleared in both directions North of KY 58/KY 80/Broadway. Initially, crews are only removing material along the roadway and sidewalks. Efforts are now focused on clearing streets to facilitate a damage assessment survey. Streets, where crews are working, will be closed to all traffic as required. Motorists should avoid traveling downtown unless they are directly involved in recovery efforts. We would like to emphasize that this operation is for street clearing only. Efforts to remove debris from private property to FEMA standards will be organized at a later date.
Photo Documentation for Insurance and FEMA
Prior to removing any debris from their property, residents and property owners with tornado damage should take photos to have for insurance documentation. These photos will also assist community leaders as they seek disaster assistance from FEMA and other agencies.
FEMA Applications
The fastest way for individuals to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is through the link below. You can also apply by calling 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585) or though the FEMA mobile app or disasterassistance.gov.
Traffic Signals (UPDATED)
While electricity has been restored at most locations, some traffic signals remain out of service. 4-Way Stop signs have been placed at these intersections. When you encounter a 4-Way Stop, use appropriate caution. Look and look again before entering the intersection.
Electric Utilities
West KY RECC reports a substantial amount of their service area has power restored to substations. However, more than 150 utility poles were damaged or destroyed. Customers may check the WKRECC Facebook page for more info. WKRECC has 25 mutual-aid crews on-site to assist with restoring power – an effort that could take a week or more to complete. Each crew will be escorted by a local utility representative. Rebuilding the electric system from substations out to individual customers will take time. Inclement weather
Water Utilities
The City of Mayfield is under a boil water order that will likely last at least a week or more. With use of generators to operate pumps, the city is producing water at a trickle rate to provide flow for basic use. Residents are urged to conserve water until normal water production capacity is restored. The boil order will remain in place until appropriate water production and pressure can be restored. Water pressure has recovered to allow firefighting services for the city, if needed. Please notify the water department of any broken water lines or leaks. When moving debris, please keep water meters and hydrants clear. Water meters should also remain covered to prevent freezing during cold weather.
Security
Fifty National Guard members are on-site to assist law enforcement with security. More are expected to arrive on Monday. There is a 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew for Mayfield and parts of Graves County impacted by the tornado. Police will aggressively enforce this curfew. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife has provided 19 additional officers to support local law enforcement activities.
Security Concern
Homeowners are advised to ask for identification when they are approached by people claiming to be working in an official capacity and report suspicious activity to police.
Medical Services (UPDATED)
Jackson Purchase Medical Center is no longer at capacity. Additional ambulances will be stationed at the hospital to assist with patient transfers should the need arise.
Medication and Package Deliveries
Fed Ex and UPS have deliveries of medication and other packages that would normally go to addresses within the damage corridor. They have moved their pick-up location to a lot next to the Linwood Chevrolet dealership on U.S. 45 just north of the Interstate 69 Mayfield Exit 25 Interchange. Fed Ex and UPS will notify the intended recipient through their electronic notification system as packages arrive on-site.
Medical Assistance/Medications
Kentucky Care has established a location in front of Lowes on Paris Road in cooperation with Gibson Pharmacy to assist those who lost medications to the tornado. Kentucky Care has an additional location at 110 Kings Drive, Mayfield, KY. There is also assistance for those who lost eyeglasses and need them replaced. A mobile medical clinic is also expected at this site on Wednesday to meet basic medical needs.
Senior Citizens With Health Issues in Tornado Zone
Senior Citizens who have health issues and live in the tornado corridor or are without power may be eligible to temporarily stay in a nursing home until services are restored to their home. This is for senior citizens on Medicare or Medicaid.
Special Note on Use of Generators
Homeowners using generators should be aware of the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep generators away from windows and doors. Use caution when fueling to avoid the opportunity for fire. Use caution to prevent generators from back feeding along power lines. Homeowners should also be aware of the hazards associated with the use of an unvented space heaters and other alternate heat sources that can create hazardous conditions or cause fire. Please use extra caution.
Hazardous Materials
If you encounter hazardous waste materials during clean-up efforts call the Tornado Recovery Hotline at 270-727-5114. There are some canisters of hazardous materials that were carried off by the tornado. Homeowners should be alert for these containers intermingled with limbs and other debris.
Mayfield City Government Pubic Meetings
By authority of Mayor Kathy O’Nan, all Mayfield City Government meetings are canceled until further notice.
Temporary Flight Restrictions
Mayfield has been issued temporary aircraft flight restrictions, along with other communities with storm impact. Pilots should contact the FAA for details.
Mail Service
The U.S. Postal Service has suspended operations at the Mayfield Post Office until further notice where a portion of the roof was taken off by the tornado. Mail to post office boxes will be temporarily transferred to the main Paducah Post Office at 300 South 4th Street, where pick-up is available during regular service hours. The Postal Service will attempt to set up a mail pickup point in Mayfield as soon as possible.
Laundry Services
The Tide Loads of Hope Laundry service is open in the Mayfield Wal-Mart parking lot from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Bring your load of laundry and they will wash, dry, and fold it for you.
Meals
Graves County Schools are serving meals. Breakfast (7:00 – 9:00 AM) and Lunch (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Fancy Farm Elementary (270 State Route 339 South, Fancy Farm, KY 42039) Sedalia Elementary (5252 State Route 97, Mayfield, KY 42066) Symsonia Elementary (11730 State Route 131, Symsonia, KY 42082) Wingo Elementary (449 Lebanon Street, Wingo, KY 42088)
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at His House Ministries (1250 KY-303, Mayfield, KY 42066)
Animal Rescue
The Humane Society of the United States Animal Rescue and Response Team is searching for and rescuing pets within Graves County. At this time, 61 animals have been rescued. They are stationed at the Mayfield-Graves Animal Shelter (500 N 12th St, Mayfield, KY 42066).
Shelter (UPDATED)
There is concern about families who are outside of the tornado path who are staying in their homes who do not have electricity or an alternate heat source but may need assistance with food and other items.
Kentucky State Parks are providing emergency shelters to distressed people affected by the tornado as well as the American Red Cross, utility crews, and first responders. Families who are in need of emergency housing should contact the State Park directly.
The Red Cross has assisted with establishing a shelter at the Mayfield First Church of Nazarene at 1200 W. Broadway.
The shelter will also feed families impacted by the storm.
Updates as appropriate.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Kentucky State Police are assisting the Regional EOC by providing communication services.
Senator McConnell Updates Senate On Kentucky Tornado Recovery
(Washington, DC) — Senator Mitch McConnell is updating his fellow senators on tornado relief efforts in western Kentucky. Speaking from the Senate floor yesterday, Senator McConnell said support for tornado victims is rolling in from around the Commonwealth, the region, and across the nation. McConnell said Jackson Purchase Medical Center in Mayfield survived last weekend’s severe weather mostly intact and is offering much-needed medical services, as well as bringing in water tankers to improve the supply there. He said he plans to return to Kentucky today to visit some of the areas hit hardest by tornadoes.
Cross Atop Altar Survives Tornado That Destroyed Mayfield Church
Believers say there’s at least one sign of God’s goodness among the destruction in Mayfield. Much of the town was leveled by a deadly tornado over the weekend. However, an altar depicting Michelangelo’s “The Last Supper,” and a cross atop the altar remain standing. The rest of First Christian Church of Mayfield was destroyed.
Soldier Killed In Training Accident At Fort Campbell
An investigation is underway at Fort Campbell after a soldier was killed. Officials with the 101st Airborne Division say 26-year-old Specialist James T. Roberts was killed in a training accident on post early yesterday morning. Specialist Roberts joined the Army in September of 2018 as a military intelligence analyst. Another soldier was injured in the accident but has since been treated and released
Kentucky Tornado Death Toll Reaches 76, Under 20 Still Missing
(Frankfort, KY) — The death toll from a tornado outbreak in Western Kentucky is up to 76. Governor Andy Beshear announced the increase yesterday and says fewer than 20 people are still unaccounted for. Kentucky Emergency Management Director Michael Dossett says over 32-hundred people are still without power in devastated areas. The National Weather Service says one of the tornadoes started in Arkansas and tracked more than 200 miles on the ground through Kentucky, reaching an EF4 level.
Damage Estimates In Tornado-Ravaged Areas Still Pending
(Frankfort, KY) — Governor Andy Beshear says officials are still working to add up the total amount of losses from last weekend’s tornadoes. Beshear said yesterday that the total will likely be in the hundreds of millions. The governor pointed to the Graves County courthouse as one example of a multi-million dollar building that was destroyed. President Biden announced Wednesday that the federal government will cover 100-percent of the cost for the commonwealth’s first 30 days of emergency services.
Kentucky News Brief
President Biden Recognizes Dawson Springs Young Woman Graduating From UK
(Dawson Springs, KY) — President Biden says he has something special planned to honor a young woman from Dawson Springs who will graduate from the University of Kentucky today. Abby Parker was called to the podium Wednesday and recognized for her achievement when President Biden was in town to survey the damage. Parker is in Lexington today to receive her degree in liberal arts, and plans to go to graduate school to become a school counselor in Dawson Springs. The details of Biden’s plan to honor Parker haven’t been released.
Authorities Recover Body Of Missing Bowling Green Teen
(Bowling Green, KY) — Authorities are confirming that the body of a missing teen in Bowling Green has been recovered. Officials say 13-year-old Nyssa Brown was the final person unaccounted for in the city after the area was devastated by a tornado last weekend. Brown’s body was found in a dense wooded area near Moss Creek and Moss View. She is the 17th confirmed death from the city’s tornado outbreak.
McConnell Questions Dems Focus On Voting Rights
(Washington, DC) — Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is again questioning the Democrats’ focus on voting rights at the federal level. Speaking to reporters yesterday, the Kentucky Republican said no state has passed laws that make it more difficult to vote based upon race. He emphasized that the Voting Rights Act “is still intact” and it is still against the law to discriminate against people based upon race. The remarks come as Democratic lawmakers and President Biden are making a new push to get through voting rights legislation.
Southern Star President, CEO Leaving Company
(Owensboro, KY) — Southern Star President and CEO Jimmy Staton is leaving the company. He announced yesterday that he would be departing at the end of February to become President and CEO of electric utility Santee Cooper in South Carolina. The Board of Directors says they will work with senior leadership to “ensure a smooth transition to a new CEO.” Staton headed up Southern Star for five years.
First Peoples’ Christmas Parade Set For Tomorrow In Owensboro
(Owensboro, KY) — A new parade will roll through downtown Owensboro tomorrow afternoon. The first Peoples’ Christmas Parade will start at 4:30 near Owensboro Grain before making its way down Second Street towards the Owensboro Convention Center. About 60 entrants are expected to participate, including floats and people driving their own vintage cars. Local military veterans will serve as the grand marshals.
OPD Stepping Up Patrol Of Owensboro Public Schools
(Owensboro, KY) — There will be increased law enforcement at Owensboro Public Schools today. Owensboro police say they made OPS officials aware of a threat against a district campus on Wednesday. OPD says it takes threats seriously and is taking steps to ensure students and staff have a safe learning environment.
Bluegrass Futsal Cup To Be Played In Owensboro This Weekend
(Owensboro, KY) — The Owensboro Convention Center is hosting a sporting event for the first time since it installed its new multi-purpose sports floor. The Bluegrass Futsal Cup will be held at the facility today through Sunday. The cost of the new sports floor was covered through a partnership between Owensboro Health, Daviess County Fiscal Court and Owensboro. Futsal is similar to soccer but played on a mini version of a hard court soccer pitch and usually played indoors.
GRDHD Updates COVID-19 Numbers
(Owensboro, KY) — The Green River District Health Department is expected to update its COVID-19 numbers today. On Tuesday, the GRDHD reported 410 new confirmed cases with 180 in Daviess County, 80 in Henderson County, 49 in Ohio County, 48 in Union County, 26 in Hancock County, 19 in McLean County and eight in Webster county. There have been nearly 41-thousand cases in the seven-county districts since the outbreak began. There have been nearly 670 COVID-related deaths since the start of the outbreak.
Tennessee State News
TDH Updates State Coronavirus Cases
(Nashville, TN) — There are over 22-hundred new coronavirus cases in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Health reported the new cases yesterday, bringing the total since the outbreak began to over one-million-346-thousand. Nearly 40 additional COVID-19-related deaths were also reported, with the total number standing at over 17-thousand-900. There are more than one-thousand COVID-19 hospitalizations in Tennessee.
Nashville Reports First Case Of Omicron COVID-19 Variant
(Nashville, TN) — Middle Tennessee is dealing with its first case of the Omicron [[ AHM-ih-cron ]] COVID-19 variant. Nashville health officials say the Nashvillian who tested positive recently returned from a trip to South Africa. They experienced mild symptoms and didn’t need to be hospitalized. They had been fully vaccinated, including a booster shot before testing positive.
$163-Million From USDA Will Improve Rural Tennessee
(Nashville, TN) — Tennessee is getting millions of dollars in grants and loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Tennessee Rural Development officials said yesterday the 163-million dollars will be invested across the state. They say the money will impact rural Tennesseans by expanding access to broadband and electricity, and will also improve wastewater infrastructure. State officials say they’re committed to a stronger rural Tennessee.
Soldier Killed At Fort Campbell Was From Nashville
(Fort Campbell, KY) — A Middle Tennessee U.S. Army soldier is being mourned. Military officials say 26-year-old Specialist James T. Roberts was killed in a training accident at Fort Campbell early yesterday morning. Specialist Roberts was from Nashville and joined the Army in September of 2018 as a military intelligence analyst. Another soldier was injured in the accident but has since been treated and released.
National/World News
Schools Take Precautions Over TikTok Violence Threat
Schools around the country are taking precautions over a new TikTok challenge that calls on students to commit acts of violence on school grounds. The viral threat on social media calls today “National Shoot Up Your School Day,” and warns students not to attend class. TikTok has released a statement saying it hasn’t found any evidence of such threats originating on the platform, but adds they’re investigating. Police departments around the country say while the threats don’t appear to be credible, they’re urging parents to notify them if their children hear of anything specific.
Biden: Economic Plan Will Miss Deadline
(Washington, DC) — President Biden says Senate Democrats are going to miss the Christmas deadline to pass his “Build Back Better” plan. A statement from the President yesterday said negotiations will continue with Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia. He wants to remove the expanded child tax credit from the nearly two-trillion-dollar economic and climate package. Biden said he remains confident the plan will eventually advance despite total opposition from Republicans.
Trump Ally Roger Stone To Plead 5th Amendment To January 6th Committee
(Washington, DC) — Former Trump ally Roger Stone will plead the Fifth before the January 6th committee today. Stone’s attorney said Thursday he will decline to answer questions, invoking his Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate himself. The committee investigating the Capitol riot wants to question Stone about his appearances at pro-Trump rallies the day before the attack.
Calls For Louisiana Judge To Resign Over Racist Video Grow
(Lafayette, LA) — Calls for a Louisiana judge to resign are growing louder after a racist video came to light. Lafayette City Court Judge Michelle Odinet [[ oh-DIH-nay ]] is on unpaid leave after a video surfaced on social media that caught her using a racial slur while looking at home security footage. Odinet is blaming the racist language on being on a sedative and is asking for forgiveness. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards is calling for her to step down and said if she doesn’t, African-American litigants would probably end up asking her to recuse herself from proceedings.
Tomorrow’s Raiders-Browns Game In Jeopardy of Being Postponed
(Cleveland, OH) — Tomorrow’s NFL game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Cleveland Browns is in serious jeopardy of being postponed. About 20 Browns players are on the NFL’s COVID-19 list, including starting quarterback Baker Mayfield and backup Case Keenum. Third-stringer Nick Mullens is the only active quarterback left on Cleveland’s roster. Pro Football Talk says the NFL Players Association is “pushing aggressively” for the game to be postponed, citing player safety and game integrity.
Critics Weigh In On New Matrix Movie
(Undated) — First reactions to the new Matrix movie are starting to come in. “The Matrix Resurrections” brings back Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss as Neo and Trinity, but in the fourth installment of the sci-fi franchise, the two heroes don’t remember each other or their past. A social media embargo on the film was lifted last night, allowing critics to weigh in on the new sequel. Some argued the movie has too much exposition, while others loved it, calling it mind-bending and unexpected. “The Matrix Resurrections” comes out December 22nd.
