Kentucky declares state of emergency after heavy tornado damage, more than 70 casualties

(Kentucky) -- Kentucky Governor Andy Beshar declared a state of emergency after heavy storm damage from several tornado touchdowns in western Kentucky.

The late night storm produced several tornadoes, including one which traveled more than 200 miles across the state.

In a letter to the Biden administration sent this morning, Beshar requested an immediate federal emergency declaration. 

Gov. Beshar is seeking assistance from both the Kentucky National Guard and Kentucky State Police, saying in an early morning announcement that "This is going to be some of the worst tornado damage we've seen in a long time."

Although there is no official number of fatalities across the state, Beshar has stated the death toll could be between 70 to 100 across more than five counties.