Rod Nickel

MAYFIELD (Reuters) – Jimmy Galbreath didn’t count his blessings enough. Galbreath, 62, was planning to stay in Mayfield (Ky.) after his house was damaged but not destroyed by the tornado last week.

Rain fell on the state Thursday afternoon, and another downpour is forecast for Friday through Saturday. Galbreath saw water slowly seep into Galbreath’s kitchen as he watched. He was able to open paths thanks to two trees that were damaged during the tornado.

Galbreath who receives social security said, “I cannot stay here. It’s impossible.” Galbreath stated that he wanted to purchase a camper for his family to use.

He said that his house was uninhabitable and would take a lot of time.

It will take many years to rebuild Kentucky’s hardest-hit cities, such as Mayfield or Dawson Springs. Whole neighborhoods were destroyed by tornadoes that ravaged the United States. The storms claimed the lives of at least 74 victims in Kentucky, and fourteen elsewhere.

GAPING HOLLES

Mayfield’s 10,000-person population has many homes, churches, and businesses that have blue tarps over the gaps. But other buildings, such as roofs or glassless windows, remain exposed to the sun.

The rain quickly poured down, and the water pooled rapidly in the streets.

Many residents chose to remain in their homes damaged by tornadoes last week, rather than moving into shelters or with families.

Nearly all hotels within an hour of Mayfield have full rooms, which means that even emergency workers from out-of-town may need to commute long distances.

According to The Weather Channel, Mayfield is expecting another half-inch (12.7 mm), of rain Friday. There are potential for more heavy showers and thunderstorms Saturday.

After the showers have stopped, it is expected that temperatures will dip to below freezing by Sunday.

David Burke, the chief program officer of non-governmental organisation Team Rubicon said that more Kentuckyans will be forced from their homes by bad weather.

He said that rain is on its way and Team Rubicon volunteers had accelerated fixing of tarps at homes throughout the state. They also helped residents relocate their valuables into more secure locations.

Burke stated that while there are many homes in total loss, there are also many homes that could be saved if the water is kept out.

There are some shelter beds available. Jenelle Eli, spokesperson for the American Red Cross, stated that there are currently 14 emergency shelters in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas. This is enough to accommodate 550 people.

A worker at the scene said the one, which was recently opened in Mayfield’s church, was not yet full when rain began on Thursday. However, it is likely to be filled as soon as the weather warms up.

Mark Bruce (64), a farmer machinery dealer John Deere in Mayfield who used tornado debris and sheet metal to repair his roof, saved the sheet metal. When it started to rain, Bruce looked up and declared that he was hoping for enough.

We think that we are in the dry. “We feel extremely fortunate.”