LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency early Saturday morning and asked President Joe Biden for federal assistance after a deadly storm swept through the Bluegrass State overnight.

“It is devastating,” Beshear stated during an interview. news conferenceHe also stated that he activated the National Guard of Kentucky. Western Kentucky has been the worst-affected section in Kentucky and more than 180 guardsmen were deployed.

Beshear stated that Kentucky’s death toll is 50 according to early estimates, but that the number could rise significantly beyond that. Residents should avoid roads and areas where emergency crews may be operating, he advised.

The following are some examples outbreak of at least 30 tornadoesIt caused extensive destruction. Four states were ravaged by a twister that carved out a path of at least 220-miles. It is one of the most destructive tornadoes to hit the United States.

Beshear stated that the tornado that struck Western Kentucky hit the city of Mayfield, before heading northeast through Benton and Princeton before ending in Beaver Dam. According to Beshear, over 100 people worked at the Mayfield candle plant during the storm. This facility was destroyed, and the location of what is being called “mass casualties.”

Bowling Green was the site of Western Kentucky University. It also suffered extensive damage. canceled commencement ceremonies scheduled for Saturday.

WKU’s phone lines and networks are being affected by significant tornado damage. WKU maintains contact with its residential staff. There are no reports of injuries to campus employees,” said the university.

President Biden was briefed on the storms and said in a statement Saturday morning that he was “in touch with state and local officials as the search for survivors and damage assessments continue.”

Following the destruction caused by tornadoes, Mitch McConnell, Senate Republican Leader, issued this statement.

I pray for those whose lives were affected and their communities by the devastating tornadoes that ravaged the Commonwealth. We are grateful to the National Guard as well as the emergency responders for their heroic efforts during this tragic event. McConnell wrote on Saturday.

“As long as I receive reports from my staff, state and local officials, we’ll work together with the Kentucky federal delegation to support Governor Andy Beshear’s request to federal assistance to assist these communities in need of the resources and funding they need,” he said.

Kentucky Senator Rand Paul released a separate statement Saturday stating that his team was working with state and local officials.

Our hearts go out to all the victims of last night’s devastating storms. Paul stated that his and my team will assist state and local officials during the emergency response. We will help businesses and families access resources to recover.