Estill Co. homes, businesses damaged in severe weather

March 1, 2017

36Pab,

ESTILL COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Severe storms in central Kentucky exacted a heavy toll in the Estill County area.

Several homes lost their roofs in the strong winds, four on Cantrill Street alone (picture, above.) Emergency Management estimates the total number of houses destroyed around 20 and more than 75 damaged.

Two minor injuries were reported.

EMA reports 1,300 people are without power and it could be a few days before everyone is back on.

Businesses also suffered serious damage, including Ravenna Florist & Greenhouse, who posted a Facebook status saying, “We have a lot of damage to the building and greenhouses. And no electricity. For now, we can not conduct business.”

Estill County students are out of school the rest of the week because of the damage, staff still has to report.

Estill County Emergency Management says there is a Red Cross shelter that is opening up at Estill Springs Elementary school.

“We ask anyone wanting to send donations to wait until tomorrow (Thursday) until we can assess our needs. We will then provide an item list and drop off location. Anyone can donate cash to the Red Cross online,” EMA said in an email.