American Red Cross Assisting Families Impacted By Major Tornado in Western Kentucky

Mayfield, Kentucky was hit particularly hard.

The American Red Cross is working around the clock to assist those impacted by a major tornado in Western Kentucky.

A 200-mile long, tornado ripped through portions of Kentucky, Illinois, Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee on Friday night. The tornado is the longest tornado on record and largest in Kentucky history. Officials believe the tornado will be the deadliest system to ever run through Kentucky with more than 100 deaths.

Numerous homes and other buildings are destroyed and more than 275,000 customers are without power.

Damage was done over a 227-mile span, including severe destruction in Mayfield, Kentucky. 

Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency, describing the situation as the most severe tornado event in Kentucky's history. Our volunteers and staff from the Central & Southern Ohio region, which includes Northern Kentucky, are ready to mobilize to Western Kentucky or wherever help is needed.

The Red Cross is collecting donations to help people affected by the disaster. To make a donation, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation today.