Drone Footage Captures Western Kentucky Tornado Recovery One Year Later

One year ago, rural communities across Western Kentucky were devastated. Owensboro storm chaser Christopher Conley is sharing drone footage showing how much has been accomplished and the damage that remains. Here's a bird's eye view of what's been rebuilt and the progress that's been accomplished. #neverforget

One year after a devastating tornado swept through Western Kentucky, residents are starting to pick up the pieces of their lives. After deadly tornadoes hit Western Kentucky on December 10th, 2021, residents in Bremen, Princeton, Dawson Springs, Central City, and many rural communities across Western Kentucky lost everything from their homes, vehicles, barns, belongings, and even important documents. With great sadness, reports began to emerge that 25 beautiful souls lost their lives after the historically-long tornado tore apart these communities. It was hard to comprehend then how'd they ever begin to rebuild after so much loss at that time. It could still take years to recover from the devastation that the tornado left in its wake. Much progress has been made in the past year as our thoughts and prayers continue for the families.

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CHRISTOPHER CONLEY & TRIGGER GO STORM CHASING

When bad weather is set to hit the tri-state, my friend Christopher Conley, with his pup Trigger, goes into storm chaser mode. He works with local news outlets to report what's happening in the skies to help keep people safe. Just days after the tornado struck, Chris who's the owner of 270 Drones Aerial Imagery, took his drone over Bremen, Princeton, and Dawson Springs, Kentucky to survey the damage. What he shared at that time was nothing short of catastrophic. Now, he's sharing the progress that has been made one year later. It's incredible to see so many homes rebuilt, clean up that's been done, and the lives that have been put back together. There's still much work to be done, and our neighbors need help.

CHRIS SHARES HIS STORY WITH THE US NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Chris recently shared his story with the US National Weather Service in Paducah Kentucky.

As a storm chaser, it was an absolute honor to be asked to help collaborate on an idea from US National Weather Service in Paducah Kentucky to tell the story from an Emergency Management perspective. So many incredible stories of survival and the initial minutes after responding to this devastating event. Together, we are #kentuckystrong

WESTERN KENTUCKY ONE YEAR AFTER A DEVASTATING TORNADO STRUCK

This video is incredible to watch. Chris perfectly shows how things look at each location from days after the tornado, and how far they've come today. It's both heartbreaking and inspirational. The footage will be something to look back on for decades to come. The beginning gives me goosebumps. Press play and see what happens when communities come together to help their neighbors.

So happy to see the recovery made. Lots more work to be done, but it looks promising. - Valerie Picard

It was a terrible situation. I was able to do some cleanup work in Bremen afterward. The stories were plentiful. The damage was remarkable. So many lost so much. It is great that you were able to capture some of those lives being rebuilt. - Ryan Clemons

This is phenomenally done! - Chosen Creations

We will never forget December 10th, 2021, and the people that lost so much. We'll continue to pray for you and your families. #kentuckystrong