PADUCAH, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin has declared a statewide emergency following flooding that has affected parts of western Kentucky.
Bevin’s office said in a news release that the declaration will give emergency workers help as they respond to local needs. He urged residents to take precautions needed to be safe.
Kentucky Emergency Management Director Michael Dossett said some areas of western Kentucky have had more than 15 inches of rain.
Thousands of residents were left without electric power.
Heavy rains and harsh winds blew through the area on Wednesday, knocking down power lines and damaging buildings in the far western part of the state, including Paducah.
Media report that a small tornado hit in Metropolis, Illinois, as winds gusted up to 105 miles per hour. No life-threatening injuries were reported.
More than an inch of rain fell in the Paducah area while about three-quarters of an inch fell in Mayfield and Murray, flooding some roadways.
West Kentucky Rural Electric reported about 1,600 customers without power Thursday afternoon, while about 2,700 Jackson Purchase Energy customers had no power.
Severe weather in Paducah could return as there is a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms through Saturday.
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