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Fayette County Declares State of Emergency Amid Severe Weather

Severe weather impacts Fayette County as State of Emergency is declared.

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News Summary

On April 4, 2025, Fayette County Mayor Linda Gorton declared a State of Emergency due to severe weather impacting the region. The decision follows a historic storm outbreak bringing heavy rain, damaging winds, and tornadoes since April 2. The declaration, effective until April 7, allows for aid provision to affected communities and the potential application for federal assistance. The situation remains critical as severe weather is expected to persist, raising concerns over public safety and infrastructure damage.

Fayette County – On April 4, 2025, Fayette County Mayor Linda Gorton declared a State of Emergency due to severe weather conditions impacting the region. This declaration is effective until 8:00 a.m. on April 7, 2025, and comes in response to a historic storm outbreak that has brought heavy rain, damaging winds, severe hail, tornadoes, and flooding to Kentucky since April 2, 2025. The severe weather is predicted to persist through April 6, increasing the risk of damage to both public infrastructure and private property.

The declaration allows for the provision of aid to surrounding communities affected by the storms and enables the application for federal assistance should it be needed. The impact of the storms has already been significant, with the National Weather Service confirming that at least two tornadoes touched down in Kentucky on April 2, affecting McCracken County and Louisville. In Ballard County, four individuals were injured, with one reported in critical condition, while damage assessments are ongoing, and additional tornadoes are suspected.

In response to the severe conditions, the Lexington Fire Department dispatched seven Swiftwater-certified firefighters along with two boats to Bowling Green for possible rescue operations. To assist with coordinated emergency efforts, the Mobile Ambulance Bus (MAB 1), which includes three specialized firefighter-paramedics, has been sent to Butler to help with the evacuation of nursing homes. Residents seeking preparedness information can find up-to-date guidance on the Lexington Emergency Management’s website and across social media platforms.

As of April 4, early morning weather updates indicated that while Lexington experienced heavy rain, hail, lightning, and winds, no tornadoes were reported in the area as of 7 a.m. However, Jefferson County has reported instances of downed trees and damaged homes, including a partial building collapse, along with a house damaged in Erlanger when a tree fell, resulting in minor injuries to one individual. Kentucky as a whole has faced severe disruptions, with over 42,800 customers experiencing power outages throughout the state.

Airport operations were notably affected as well, with Blue Grass Airport in Lexington seeing two delayed flights and one cancellation due to weather conditions. The Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville faced significant delays across nearly all departing flights. Meteorologists have described the current weather pattern as a once-in-every-10-to-15-years phenomenon for the region, with continued severe weather expected, including the emergence of “supercell thunderstorms” and considerable flooding. Rainfall accumulations are predicted to reach 15 inches in Western Kentucky and 6 to 8 inches in Lexington by the end of the weekend.

Prior to the storm systems, Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on April 2, warning citizens about the potential for multiple tornado impacts. As the severity of the weather escalates, the Kentucky National Guard has been placed on standby to respond to emergency situations. Safety remains a top concern, especially during nighttime storms when the risk of fatalities due to tornadoes increases. Winds are expected to reach 20 to 25 mph, with gusts capable of hitting up to 50 mph, which may lead to further fallen trees and power outages as residents brace for the coming days.