Lineworker Michael Nethery of Shelby Energy
is part of many mutual aid crews that came to
the assistance of storm-ravaged west Kentucky.
Lineworkers are trained professionals; assume all
downed lines you see are still energized and never
touch a downed line. Photo: Wade Harris
THE BRUTE STRENGTH of a series of tornadoes that pulverized Kentucky and three other states on December 10 and 11 can be seen in the devastation left behind in at least 28 counties.
But what followed is even stronger–the people who rushed in to help, rescuing and treating victims, clearing debris, feeding and clothing neighbors, praying and consoling and restoring the services so important for life.
Power restoration began almost immediately. Electric co-op crews repaired and rebuilt the system. With help from hundreds of mutual aid personnel and contractors, local co-op lineworkers demonstrated their commitment to their hometowns, businesses and surrounding communities.
The initial shock of the disaster now gives way to dealing with the aftermath, grief and worry about what the future holds. The mission of Kentucky’s electric cooperatives and Kentucky Living is to improve the quality of life in Kentucky. We pledge to do our part as Kentucky recovers from this disaster.
Downed utility poles and wires
in the Mayfifield area at dawn on
December 12. Photo: TVA
Pennyrile Electric crews, along with
Davis H. Elliot crews, work to replace
more than 120 poles in the 41A area
in southern Christian County. Photo:
Ali Cotton, Pennyrile Electric Safety
Director
On December 15,
Warren RECC crews
restore lines on
a new pole they
recently set at the
Kentucky Transpark
in Bowling Green.
Photo: Warren
RECC
Farmers RECC crews replace a string of broken poles
in Hart County where a member lost a silo, barn and
other buildings. Photo: Bill Prather
An aerial view of Dawson Springs. Photo: Whitney Westerfield
A destroyed truck sits in the
aftermath of a tornado that
struck downtown Mayfield.
Photo: Wade Harris
Downed power lines in one
neighborhood in Bowling Green,
not far from the State Route 31W
bypass, that took a direct hit from the tornado. Photo: Wade Harris
West Kentucky RECC lineworkers,
alongside crews
from Licking Valley RECC,
work to restore power in
Benton. Photo: Wade Harris
One of many houses ripped from its
foundation in Gilbertsville in western
Kentucky. Photo: Wade Harris
