LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A state of emergency was declared in Louisville on Thursday after a tornado caused significant damage in Jeffersontown and surrounding areas. The severe weather struck late Wednesday night into the early hours of Thursday morning, leaving behind widespread destruction but, thankfully, no fatalities or injuries.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed that several homes and businesses in eastern Jefferson County, particularly in the Jeffersontown and Middletown regions, sustained heavy damage. Despite the devastation, Greenberg expressed relief that no one had been hurt in the storm’s wake.
“Nobody was hurt, so that’s the good news, but of course, many businesses and homes suffered very significant damage in and around the J-town and Middletown area,” said Mayor Greenberg in a statement on Thursday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that a tornado touched down in Jefferson County, near the I-64/265 interchange, where it caused considerable disruption. However, NWS meteorologists stated that they would not conduct a ground survey of the affected areas until Sunday or Monday, as they continued to gather storm reports and monitor the severe weather expected over the next few days.
In addition to the damage caused by the tornado, more severe storms are anticipated to bring heavy rain to the region, raising concerns about potential flooding. City officials are urging residents to stay prepared for the possibility of more hazardous weather in the coming days.
As recovery efforts begin, local authorities and emergency responders are working to assess the full scope of the damage and assist affected residents. While the immediate risk to life has passed, the situation remains fluid, and ongoing monitoring of weather conditions is essential as Louisville braces for additional challenges posed by the storm system.
The state of emergency provides local officials with additional resources to coordinate recovery efforts and ensure that critical services remain in operation during this difficult time. Local businesses and residents in the hardest-hit areas are urged to remain cautious as they begin the process of rebuilding.
Authorities are continuing to urge people to stay updated on weather alerts and follow evacuation orders if issued.
