Costs from tornado outbreak could reach $3.7 billion
Kentucky was the hardest hit of the states, with over 11,700 damaged structures in the commonwealth alone.
The devastating tornado outbreak that swept through multiple states in the southern and midwestern United States Dec. 11, 2021, left dozens dead. According to CoreLogic, the storm also damaged nearly 15,000 structures across Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri and Mississippi for a combined reconstruction value of nearly $3.7 billion.
Kentucky was the hardest hit among the affected states. According to CoreLogic, the Commonwealth saw over 11,700 damaged structures and a potential $2.9 billion in reconstruction costs.
These findings are corroborated by a report released by Karen Clark & Company (KCC) about the same tornadic disaster. According to KCC’s report, the most damage was done by what has become known as the ‘quad-state tornado,’ which remained on the ground across four states over the course of four hours, leaving around 200 miles of destruction in its wake.
The National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky, determined that Friday’s Western Kentucky tornado was an EF-4 with a width of over one mile and 190 mph winds.
On Wednesday, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear welcomed President Joe Biden to Dawson Springs, Kentucky, which was one of the hardest-hit towns in the state. Dawson Springs is a tiny town by any standard, with just 2,452 residents as of the 2020 census. Fourteen of those residents, including a 2-month old girl, were killed as a result of the tornado.
Beshear spoke first at the press conference, which was streamed live on the White House’s YouTube channel, and his voice cracked with emotion as he told of his familial ties to the town where his father, former Kentucky governor Steve Beshear, was born and raised.
“This town is part of who I am,” Governor Beshear shared. “I spent Christmases on a porch that, thank God, is still standing, not too far from here. My granddad would put me on his tractor and drive me around town, which is a pretty big deal for a little kiddo. I’ve buried my kin right here in town, just down the road … If you look around here or Mayfield, Muhlenberg County and a number of other towns, you might think that we are broken, but we are not.”
Beshear commended those around the country who have contributed untold amounts of money, diapers, water, household necessities and more to help the storm victims. He also thanked President Biden for his fast action in approving federal aid for the state.
“I granted the request for the first emergency declaration and major disaster declaration the moment I received it, because I got to know the governor’s father, and I knew nothing would come that wasn’t real,” Biden said during his turn at the podium. “Yesterday, I also approved an emergency declaration for the state of Illinois and Tennessee, and I intend to do whatever it takes, as long as it takes, to support your state, your local leaders, as you recover and rebuild, because you will recover and you will rebuild.”
The president promised the federal government will continue to assist however they can in the recovery of the affected towns. He also announced he had just approved a request that the federal government cover 100% of the cost for the first 30 days of emergency work related to the tornadoes.
“Every single cost, the federal government is going to take care of,” he promised. “It includes debris removal, cost of overtime in law enforcement, emergency service personnel and shelter.”
He also said he would ensure those suffering from post-traumatic stress as a result of the tornadoes receive the help they need.
Four FEMA teams are currently on the ground across Kentucky and, in addition to handling claims, insurers should encourage their customers affected by Friday’s storms to apply for federal disaster relief through DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling (800) 612-3362.