Kentucky state of emergency declared as powerful storms hit

Just three weeks after deadly tornadoes tore a path of destruction through Kentucky, a state of emergency has again been declared after powerful storms caused flash flooding, power outages and property damage, including from a possible tornado in Hopkinsville.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths, but governor Andy Beshear declared the state of emergency on Saturday, with much of Kentucky and West Virginia under a flood warning. Portions of eastern Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama were under a tornado watch.

The storms come as the state was still recovering from tornadoes that tore through the region in December, killing more than 90 people in five states, including 77 in Kentucky.

Heavy rains were expected to continue throughout the day in much of Kentucky, followed by a cold front, which could complicate emergency response efforts.

In the south-western Kentucky town of Hopkinsville, several downtown businesses were damaged by a possible tornado. WTVF-TV reported a Family Dollar store had been largely destroyed and the roof of a Marathon gas station had blown into a park across the street. Other nearby buildings had roof damage and there were many downed power lines, the station reported.