Storms leave thousands without power

By Lilly Adkins

BSN Associate Editor

Kentucky Power said that the wind storm Friday in Eastern Kentucky caused damage in numerous counties, leaving 18,000 customers without electricity at the peak of the event.

Sustained winds were reportedly 40-50 miles per hour, numerous gusts topping 60-70 miles per hour reported.

Kentucky Power said in a release Monday that crews were finding numerous broken poles and downed wires. In some areas, drone technology was being used to aid in damage assessment, the company said.

In its final update Monday, the company said there were approximately 200 customers without power and 73 outages.

Lawrence County Emergency Management reported on different areas in Lawrence County where trees and power lines were down.

Martin Fire and Police along with the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office said that several trees that had fallen across the roadway on Rt. 1428 in the city of Martin, just past Martin ARH Hospital near mile point 1.0. going toward Allen. The road was blocked in both directions at the time of the report Friday.

Floyd County Emergency Management reported that there were numerous trees and power lines down across the county and that crews were working to clear the roads and assess damages.

Martin County Emergency Management reported Friday that winds were picking up significantly and that they were starting to see power outages and reports of trees across a couple of roadways.

One of the lighted poles located at Warfield Park was blown down.