Thousands without heat, water after tornadoes kill dozens

MAYFIELD, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky’s governor said that at least 64 people were killed in the state during a devastating cluster of tornadoes. At least 14 people are dead in four other states: Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas and Missouri. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear told reporters Monday that it could take days more to tally a final death toll because of the sheer devastation from the twisters Friday.

As searches continued for those still missing, efforts also turned to repairing the power grid, sheltering those whose homes were destroyed and delivering drinking water and other supplies.

Kentucky officials warned that residents could be without heat, water or electricity in frigid temperatures for weeks or longer.

President Joe Biden said Monday he will travel to Kentucky on Wednesday to view the damage. Biden announced the upcoming trip following a briefing with homeland security and disaster response officials to discuss what more the federal government can do to support those impacted by the natural disaster.

Biden said he was worried about the emotional toll the disaster is putting on all those impacted. He said his administration was working to help people with “peace of mind” so that that can “actually put their head on a pillow, lie down and be able to know their kids are going to be okay."