Kentucky authorities warn against travel in areas hit by storm

Kentucky authorities are asking individuals not to travel to areas hit by the storm this weekend, as emergency personnel undertake rescue and recovery efforts.

“Citizens who are not actively involved in rescue operations or emergency services are encouraged to avoid travel to and around the affected areas,” Kentucky State Police wrote on Facebook Saturday night.

Authorities said that because of “widespread power outages,” traffic control devices are not operating properly and lighting is unavailable at many intersections in the area, which is creating “a serious hazard.”

The department said it is investigating a serious injury collision involving three vehicles at an intersection that occurred Saturday night.

It also noted that a curfew from “dawn until dusk” was in place for Mayfield, Kentucky and other parts of Graves County that saw severe damage.

Severe storms and tornadoes ripped through a number of states in the South and Midwest between Friday night and early Saturday morning, damaging a number of localities.

In Kentucky, at least 70 people died as a result of the severe weather and tens of thousands lost power amid the storm. Illinois, Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas also experienced inclement weather.

President Biden on Saturday called the impact of the storms “a tragedy,” and said emergency response personnel, search-and-rescue teams, water and other supplies were being sent to help areas impacted by the storms.

“This has been the most devastating tornado event in our state’s history.” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said on Saturday.