Washington County storm leads to ‘serious’ damage

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) — The FOX 56 Weather Authority and the National Weather Service (NWS) both confirmed on Friday morning that a tornado had touched down in Washington County before making its way to southeast Mercer County near Boyle County.

FOX 56 chief meteorologist Justin Logan said that just before 7 a.m. on Friday, the NWS issued an alert saying a tornado had been seen in southwest Mercer County, heading east at around 35 miles per hour.

Around 7:30 a.m. on Friday, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook that emergency crews are being dispatched to the Long Run Road and Deep Creek areas in response to weather-related emergencies.

“There is serious and severe damage,” Washington County deputies wrote. “We are asking everyone to stay off the roads for the time being if at all possible.”

Tornado warnings have since been issued in Mercer, Boyle, Garrard, and Jessamine Counties, but those expired around 7:45 a.m. The FOX 56 Weather Authority is continuing to track these warnings.

For the latest weather alerts, download the FOX 56 Weather Authority App.