MAGOFFIN COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) – March 2nd is a date familiar to most here in Eastern Kentucky.
Seven years ago, a tornado outbreak devastated the region.
Four different tornadoes affected nine counties and two caused widespread destruction in West Liberty and Salyersville.
The National Weather Service says this event featured the first EF3 or greater tornado in the Jackson forecast area since the Middlesboro tornado in May of 1988.
A day many people will never forget.
“It’s probably one of the most devastating things that I’ve experienced in my career,” said Paul Howard.
Howard was and still is, Chief at the Salyersville Fire Department.
He says he hopes to never see the catastrophe again.
“All of the power lines were across the streets. We couldn’t manage to drive from point A to point B,” recalled Howard.
Howard told WYMT, there was devastation everywhere you looked.
“Until you see an actual tornado or been in the middle of an actual tornado, television does not give it justice,” Howard pointed out.
Current Magoffin County Judge-Executive Matthew Wireman says he remembers watching the tornado from his home.
“I can remember seeing out my window, lightning bolts coming off the top of the mountains from where I live,” recalled Wireman.
What he witnessed next, Wireman says he never expected.
“This was absolutely something I don’t think anybody in Eastern Kentucky would ever have fathomed,” said Wireman.
But in the face of tragedy, this small town persevered.
“If anything, it pulled this community together,” Wireman said.
Creating a strong mindset to prepare them for the future.
“We’re a small community and in disaster, we help each other a great deal,” said Howard.
Magoffin County now has three tornado sirens and one tornado shelter.
Officials are in the process of putting in another shelter.
by WYMT (2019, Mar 2)
