MayfieldTornado Documentary (full) -165 Miles: Catastrophe in Kentucky

Online premier of the Award winning documentary on the December 10th, 2021 #tornado that tracked 165 miles through Western #kentucky hitting the cities and towns of #Cayce #mayfield #DawsonSprings #Princeton #Bremen and others. The documentary focuses on stories of survival along the path with strong visuals.
This was created and funded by our partner company, Climate Productions. To see more please go to www.climateproductions.com
Climate Productions focuses on telling stories due to #hurricane #hurricanes #tornadoes #flooding #drought #climatechange #wildfire and more.

[@CCWP0251]

I will add to this... Something that wasn't widely reported on... In Bremen, less than an hour after the tornado passed, there were literally hundreds of volunteers. They came to the local fire department for instruction and went out in the stormy night. All you could hear was thunder, chainsaws, emergency vehicles and heavy equipment in the night. These people weren't first responders. They were concerned neighbors and friends. Within mere hours, all people were accounted for, and roadways that were buried in debris were passable for emergency vehicles. Small towns can do big things. There is a lot of love in our small town, and I'm very proud of that.

[@tjhookit]

Thank you for sharing that........we hear about all the negativity in our society constantly, but there are still a lot of good people out there.

[@jinjin0135]

That's amazing.💗

[@CoasterMan13Official]

All you see in the news media is bs, negativity, and no stories like these.

[@MissTarryn]

That is true human spirit right there, lovely to hear that no one was stuck for days in rubble x

[@lorihamlin3604]

Rural folks are used to depending on community in crisis. Same happened here after a hurricane..within hours major highways were passable. All neighbors accounted for. Farmers have equipment, fuel and labor. People are good..there’s still hope for he human race.

[@christopherstephens6963]

I drove from the Evansville area immediately after the tornado hit Mayfield. I got to Mayfield at about 0300 in the morning and reported directly to the EOC to start helping first responders with what ever they needed. I am a firefighter in Indiana and have done disaster response work for about 8 years all over the US. We typically do not self deploy to incidents, however I just knew that this situation was different. When the sun came up that next morning in Mayfield I could not believe what I was seeing. I will never forget that first morning... God bless Mayfield.

[@markdinkel-uh2je]

My oldest brother gone now but dealt with tragedies.like that being with Fema and Ind task force 1. Thanks for your help down there. I know they appreciated. Hopefully no more twisters. I've been lucky for 66 years here in Indy.

[@emilyflotilla931]

God bless you.

[@JazSerpent]

I was at Rocky falls campground in my motorhome scare the s*** out of me you can hear it

[@curtissmith8568]

That 10 year old girl is so smart! Saved her whole family!

[@TheBandit7613]

So is the guy that built the shelter 18 years prior. Should be more shelters... just in case.

[@LightsCameraActWithAlyssiaD]

She really stepped up and spoke reason in a moment of panic and chaos. I wish I had been more like that as a child when tornadoes hit the town I lived in. Was a little younger than her, but it traumatized me pretty much until I was an adult and it wasn't even close to as bad as what happened here. She has a bright future I am sure!

[@Dan-tb1zf]

@@TheBandit7613 It made me think immediately of Jarrell and Smithville - hard to believe shelters like that would have been granulated in those F5s. Good on him for building it, little prep goes a long way.

[@alexisdunlap6928]

Dawson Springs resident here. I had a tree branch go through my arm, broke my back, ribs, and hip, and 2 of my 3 kids were seriously injured. Definitely a night I'll never forget.

[@MASONDADDY1]

We're you conscious through the whole thing?

[@alexisdunlap6928]

@@MASONDADDY1 yes I was

[@WxChasing]

Wow Alexis, I can't imagine what you went through. Hopefully you and your children are recovering.

[@peacefulpossum2438]

My heart goes out to you, your family and all those who were injured and lost loved ones.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

My word! I hope all your injuries are healed now and those of your children❤️

[@lauraanderson8027]

Mayfield is my hometown and it was nice to see a couple of friendly faces on this. My heart continues to hurt for my little town but the spirit of Mayfield is indestructible ❤️❤️❤️

[@howlandfamilyadventures5995]

My brother worked at the MCP Candle factory. He didn’t go in that night because we knew the storms were going to be bad and he wanted to be with his wife and kids. One of his best friends passed that night. We watched the Facebook lives of these employees in real time until the internet went out. He tried to leave our shelter to go help too but more were possibly coming. All power went out and we had no idea if another one was going to hit at any moment. We were safe in our shelter 40 miles away at Kenlake State Resort Park because we knew their shelter was safe from previous warnings. We went early in the night. It was the most terrifying night of our lives. For those that lived it that what 6mph wind difference means nothing. It was EF5 destruction. Our locals meteorologist stopped updates as it entered Mayfield and just said “pray.” That’s when we knew it was bad. He had no words. Just “pray” and he is an atheist. Many here still have storm anxiety and ptsd. Mayfield is still flattened. We will never forget

[@TheCursedDay]

Watched this cell from Arkansas all the way through Kentucky on Ryan Hall's live stream. I feel for Mayfield and the affected areas. Being from West Liberty, I know the pain of having your hometown destroyed by a tornado.

[@MrJRod891]

Same

[@koopey]

I am 13 years old and this is the storm that really peaked my interest in weather. I found some videos on KZbin of it and watched the recorded 4 hour life stream of the local weather station. Joined a group for weather enthusiasts. They talked about Ryan hall y'all's stream and I've been watching ever since. This was a terrible night and I've looked back at a lot of other outbreaks and it's hard to believe what devastation nature can cause. I find a lot of these storms beautiful but at the same time I dread those who are in the path of them. I wish I was in a position to help those who have lost everything.

[@CoasterMan13Official]

@@koopey I am 16 years old, and got interested in weather when I first watched a thing about the Joplin, MO tornado that did the exact same thing to that town as a twister did to Mayfield.

[@lisahoward4650]

It was on this day that I first discovered Ryan’s channel and live streams as it was suggested to me on KZbin. I’m Australian and luckily we don’t see tornadoes like you guys do in the states. When I stumbled across Ryan’s channel the storms were just starting to fire up and so I sat with my heart in my throat for the entire live stream praying for all in the path. I cried and just felt sick seeing this monster tornado work it’s way from town to town wreaking havoc everywhere it went. My sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to everyone who was affected by this tragically historic event. And I can’t help but wonder how many lives Ryan and his team helped save that day by staying live through the entire event and warning people well in advance before they were hit. So much respect for him and his team and honestly haven’t missed a live stream of his since that day.

[@edwardzarnowski5558]

Ryan Hall saved many lives that night.

[@deirdrelooney7792]

I traveled to Mayfield a few days later from Raleigh North Carolina. I scrolled on the live video on tik tok around 5am in the morning of December 11. My heart was shattered, I prayed so hard. God told me to just get there. I loaded my little Toyota and went. Mayfield Kentucky changed my life and the people of Kentucky. Listening to these stories of faith, and survival was incredible. I was only supped to be there for 3 days but couldn’t leave, I ended up staying a week to help where I could. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t pray for these incredible people. I will return to mayfield when I can. God bless you all ❤️

[@rebeccaspellmeyer5761]

Were you with Team Rubicon? I was in Hardin at the church school,

[@yourmomisonfb]

Ty for human decency. You will be richly rewarded for your kind heart ❤️

[@sammitchell3657]

Let me just say this. The candle factory owners should be sued, and fired. Trapping people in that building was WRONG. Smh.

[@KaileyB616]

I agree. They kinda glossed over it in this video, but according to the employees that were there that night, they were told that if they left then they would be fired 😤 I can't even imagine being trapped under rubble for THREE HOURS, thank God they had their phones on them! I hope they're all suing and they win

[@OneBrokenEgg]

If I remember correctly, some of the survivors filed lawsuits against the candle factory because of how they were treated during the tornado.

[@dakotarorer279]

There are multiple lawsuits against them. I had 2 very close friends in the candle factory that night and the employees were apparently told that if they left that they would be fired on the spot

[@GoldFaceFella]

Doesn’t OSHA have regulations that workers shouldn’t leave the building during a tornado warning? Genuinely asking. Not sure of the specifics.

[@RJ.the.artist]

@@GoldFaceFella during the actual tornado, yes. But Mayfield was given a 30 minute warning, and they weren’t allowed to leave even within the 30 minutes before the sirens went off.

[@garylefevers]

Excellent documentary. Btw: @ 26:07 that young lady is amazing. She kept her composer when others didn't, as well as talking her 12 family members into taking shelter, wow. God bless her and all the others affected that terrible day.

[@axelpharis7722]

That’s my cousin she made all of us go in the shelter and she pretty much saved us all

[@garylefevers]

@@axelpharis7722 I am so very glad. She is definitely a very smart lady.

[@opo3628]

@@garylefevers - Not sure why she had a composer, but I'm glad she kept him safe!

[@audreymai2773]

​@@opo3628 they can be a man or woman.

[@Madam-gc3qv]

I was in the Joplin tornado in May 2011 and I know exactly what you all are going thru. I am glad that most people took the warning seriously, took shelter and survived. I know someone who was chasing this tornado and almost got caught up in it. As a tornado survior the trama of going thru it will get better but you will never forget.

[@priscillaross-fox9407]

I also know someone who was chasing that evening. Night chasing is so much more dangerous.

[@RobMathMiller]

God bless Joplin. I went through the Dayton tornado in 2019 and watching documentaries on Joplin and the 2011 outbreak helped me cope.

[@boogitybear2283]

Poor Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Joplin, Missouri really had it bad! Ironically, both occurred within a month span!

[@remainedanonymous8251]

People in the Midwest and the south understand what's its like to have a community. Over here in the west and PNW, we will never understand that.

[@supedigilady2132]

We drove through Joplin to drop off donations from tx to Missouri.. the destruction was just heart-wrenching. Im so glad you made it out, I will never forget that day.

[@illenialLisette]

Oh, father God, thank you for protecting the little girl Savannah. And thank you, for speaking to the 10 year old girl! So that those lives were saved. Only you God, only you! 💜💜

[@geoffthornton9679]

How about thanking the scientists who came up with such technologies such as Doppler Radar and Storm Shelters? Not the non existent god, who according to your bronze age book of fairy tales, sent the tornado in the first place?

[@potterhead338]

I believe in the lord ❤ but the other people were praying too. God is there to help us through the pain and grief not pick and choose who dies.

[@amydavis4945]

I'm a Moderator on another very popular weather channel here on KZbin. We were Live Streaming during this event and I have to say, of all the events we have Live Streamed (I've modded for about a year now on his channel)... this one is the one that kept me up for a few nights. It was so incredibly stressful just to KNOW what was happening on the ground as we watched the radars. After the stream ended - before we even saw the severity of the destruction - I was in tears. Thank you for doing this documentary, it's the first one I've felt ready to watch (I am commenting before I watch it).

[@danime4288]

I've watched Ryan's stream that night. Pretty sure you guys saved some lives! Great work. I watched from germany, because I'm kind of obsessed with weather. Here it was far late in the night, but I couldn't stop watching. It was so awful, seeing that monster live on the radar, knowing it will probably take some lives and there is nothing you can do. I feel so sorry for everybody who has been hit by this terrible tornado. Sending some huuuge hugs across the ocean!

[@kytruth1027]

I don't live far from Mayfield. In my 36yrs here in KY, that was the most traumatic weather event I've ever experienced and I was blessed to not even be directly hit, so I can't imagine what those who were in the direct path went through and are still going through. 😔 I help with finding resources and needs for those that were affected and what many don't know is that there are still hundreds of ppl trying to get their lives back on track. The government didn't help like they said they would and many are still going through appeals with FEMA and most of the low income families received very little, mostly from local charities or individuals. Many people ended up having to leave the area to find stable housing they could afford. I'm praying for all those ppl today as we are expecting storms tonight.

[@amydavis4945]

@@kytruth1027 I'm so saddened by your comment, because I know how true it is. Unfortunately it is a common occurrence. Not only here in America, but across the globe. All too often, the people and places affected by **any** disaster (natural or otherwise) get forgotten as soon as the cameras rush off to the next disaster. Thank you for reminding people that the hardship doesn't end when the cameras are turned off.

[@kevinn4038]

Lol. Stop.

[@le_th_]

Yes, it's a powerless feeling knowing people need help and there is nothing you can do, often because you're hundreds or maybe even thousands of miles away. This is the kind of stress that can cause secondary trauma...and result in PTSD...sometimes even several months down the road before the person begins to connect the dots to when their sleepness first began. It doesn't always happen all at once, especially with secondary trauma. People think PTSD can only happen when their life is directly threatened, but it happens to first responders, weather reporters, and just general bystanders who feel helpless to do anything to stop it. Be sure to take care of your mental health. These constant "little t" traumas can add up over time and the, one day, result in you developing PTSD. Be sure to stay on top of that so it doesn't happen to you. Take care~

[@joshstueber1828]

I remember watching Ryan Hall going live during this and my wife was very emotional during the stream. We will never forget about this tornado.

[@victorharden5906]

Man. I tell ya. The entire family that decided to take shelter in the enclosure inspired by Britney, brought me to tears. So many don’t head the call, but her family did and saved the family, animals and the day. What an inspiring story of faith, trust, love and sheer determination. Also my hats off to the associates of the candle factory who kept the faith through such adversity. What incredible stories shared. Thank you. I know all to well the sheer power of tornadoes being from the Midwest. I FEAR them, and so should you…

[@victorniel368]

I wasn’t hit directly but live in Eastern Kentucky. I woke up at 12 in the morning and my weather radio went off for a tornado watch. Something told me this was not good then went on Facebook and a meterlogist in Lexington said “I’ve never seen a tornado cuplit in this state since West Liberty Tornado, prayers to Mayfield.” 1 year later I’ll never forget this night and the week that followed….

[@May-qb3vx]

I live in Lex but I don’t remember who said that. Was it Chris Bailey or Bill Meck? I’d guess it’d be one of them since they’re the head meteorologists on the two largest stations in town.

[@victorniel368]

@@May-qb3vx I think it was Chris

[@bertbaker7067]

@~10:30, 8 workers died at the candle factory. They didn't elaborate on it, but workers asked to go home because of the tornado warning but were told that *if they left they'd be fired.* Please unionize, nobody should be *forced* to risk their lives for a pay check

[@harryparsons2750]

Unions only steal your money

[@sertank735]

How would a Union have helped in this situation? It’s an unfortunate situation, but no one was forced to do anything. It’s called voluntary employment.

[@bertbaker7067]

@@sertank735 A very important part of the _collective bargaining agreement_ between the union and the employer is the _just cause provision._ An employer must have _just cause_ to punish or fire an employee, and requirements for just cause are established in the collective bargaining agreement. It normally includes things like posting workplace a rules where everyone can see them, treating everyone the same, enforcing the rules consistently, gradual increase in severity of punishment, acknowledging extenuating circumstances, and others. If the people killed had been unionized, then they wouldn't have had to worry about losing their jobs if they left work because a tornado was coming. The _just cause_ part of the _collective bargaining agreement_ means it's against federal law for the company to fire someone without just cause and if they do so they'll have to pay a fine and probably be forced to rehire the person. Unions do all this and more for their members. That's why companies spend so much money fighting them and bad mouthing them. You don't have to live hand to mouth depending on the good graces of your boss to keep from going hungry. If you want to know more I can send you some links.

[@bertbaker7067]

@@sertank735 tldr: the just cause provision of a collective bargaining agreement means it's against federal law for a company to fire someone without just cause. Extenuating circumstances (like being worried a tornado is going to hit the building) must be considered when determining just cause.

[@carsonfarmer1074]

​@@sertank735 A union would've let you go home without being threatened of being fired that's how it'll help. Yea no one is forced to do anything but losing your job cause you're worried about the active tornado warning is insane.

[@heatherday735]

We were in Fancy Farm, next to Mayfield. We heard that it hit, jumped up to help. By the time we got there, SO many people were already there helping. The first responders were amazing and worked tirelessly. That morning, more people from all over came to help. Strangers from all walks of life, race, religion and creed banded together to do anything and everything they could to help. As we walked from place to place, some were driving around and offering food/water and making sure we were ok. Others offered shelter and a place to rest. The response from everyone was such a beautiful thing out of an ugly and horrific situation. Many thanks, love and blessings to all the people, business, and churches who helped. And much love and prayers go out to all those who still struggle with the events of that night.

[@tammydavis-mckinney4580]

I am a survivor. This really brings me back...I cried seeing this. I lost 2 friends in this. We were displaced until October 2023. We still suffer PTSD

[@nanag63]

I live 3.5 miles from the court square. I didn’t realize how bad the storm really was until my husband told me to get the dogs and go downstairs… My heart still hurts for all those who lost family members and friends that night 💔. When I saw the devastation I was heartbroken…. You could not recognize anything….. The path of destruction was so horrendous… Our beautiful little town was gone…. It’s been a year and it still hurts…

[@Sushi2735]

This 10 year old child has more sense than the adults! She is going to be just fine in life! Amazing little girl, and wonderful man who built that shelter ❤

[@alasdairhicks6731]

I'm impressed with her speaking skills. She's smart.

[@PinkieJoJo]

I was wondering why the girl was the one to keep running around to gather everyone. It should have been adults doing that while she was in the shelter.

[@kevincharles1983]

Don't ever let your employers decide your fate.

[@PinkieJoJo]

This! Because this has happened so many times. This is what happened in 9/11 as well. So many employers said go back to work and unfortunately many listened.

[@DeloresMcBride-uw7pb]

​@@PinkieJoJoI had a cousin that worked in the tower that was evacuated and she refused to go back in after seeing the other tower hit! She is still alive today working at another job. I believe our materialistic culture is our biggest downfall.

[@thefrener794]

People protest the government but their boss is their actual god.

[@erikaleonard2848]

VERY WISE WORDS!!😊

[@alanwylie8960]

@kevincharles1983, most of the gestapo government controlled public schools in the state of tornado alley Oklahoma do not have a storm shelter, yet, they will not let the parents pickup their children from school if a tornado warning has been issued, even if you live just down the street and you have a storm shelter. You'd think that the state of Oklahoma would make it mandatory for every public school in the state to have storm shelters after the children that were killed while in public school caused from the EF5 tornado that devastated Moore, OK in 2013. As for any employer trying to keep me from leaving to seek shelter, that'll never happen.

[@larrygomer]

I live in this area and I will never forget that night . They were rain wrapped tornadoes at night . I stayed up all night so I would be able to warn my family and neighbors if need be . We got very lucky that night , but there's so many that didn't. I did volunteer work and donated to help them . It was a very dangerous situation.

[@gayleledford5903]

I usually don't post much on youtube but after watching this vid...had to. This was such a well done docu! That little girl who got her family to safety...what a hero!! I lived in Caneyville, KY, about 40mi northeast of Bremen, at the time of the tornado. My friends and I stayed up all night, running outside all the time, watching and listening for the twister. I was in a mobile home that shook a lot that night. Didn't really know what to do except leave but you couldn't see anything for the rain and lightening. I was gonna hit the ditch if the tornado was gonna hit.The twister blew into Central City but dodged a bit north of us...thank God. Anyway, the whole situation that night, traumatized me till recently. This is the first time I could actually bring myself to watch a vid about that night. I have since moved into another county, into a very well build brick structure. I never wanna feel what I felt that night in December. Sorry for the long post...just had to get a few things off my chest.

[@RT-qd8yl]

To everyone from Kentucky who is still powering through this tragedy, the people of Michigan love and support you 100%. And we'll do so again, right by your side, the next time tragedy strikes.

[@imeep30jj]

I feel so bad for those people. Its really scary being in a tornado at night. Being an ef5 survivor myself my heart hurts for these people

[@ameliabarker8403]

I wish everyone who has survived these extreme events had a platform to tell there stories… it helps other people make batter decisions. Glad your alive and well 😊

[@carlmay9532]

Yeah? Which one?

[@imeep30jj]

Greensburg. Rode it out in a truck at 54 and bay street. Glad i wasnt home. We lived in a trailer house. Had two people on my block pass away.

[@carlnorth741]

Glad to hear you made it through a ef5 ,, our good Lord was watching over you that night...from idaho🙏🙏

[@CPBreezy80]

@@imeep30jj did you receive the warnings or know it was coming? Could you hear it before you saw it? If these questions are to much to think about I’m sorry I asked, I’m not trying to be disrespectful.

[@coleaydeesixxx]

I feel so bad for the workers at the candle factory. Really hurts my heart.

[@maguirepool4870]

I used to live in Mayfield back in 2013, and when I saw this on the news, I just couldn't believe my eyes...

[@furball4ever526]

Thank you for making this documentary. So many times people pay attention to these catastrophic events when they first happen and then forget about them because their lives keep moving. I think it's important to remember that people are STILL struggling to rebuild and need our prayers and support. Beautiful job.

[@WxChasing]

Thank you. Yes, you are correct. Unfortunately some will never recover, others it may take years. This is true with every major disaster.

[@scar1874]

Wow. This was powerful/very emotional. A very well put together documentary - principally respectful to the victims and those unfortunate enough to lose their life in this tragedy. Bravo team, you did a fantastic job.

[@WxChasing]

Thank you!

[@barryboos]

Incredibly well researched and produced. Congratulations, Climate Productions and all those involved. The footage really captures the scale of the event; but, most of all, thank you for giving a voice to those affected, especially the often overlooked employees at the candle factory. Their stories are touching.

[@WxChasing]

Thank you Eva!

[@JonathanPetramala]

Thank you for watching!

[@tormented6396]

I live around the western Kentucky area, and I live right beside Cacey which is a very small community outside of Fulton Kentucky. The tornado went through Cacey and completely almost that whole community there were a few untouched houses but most of them were just decimated. I've lived in this area my whole life and to see places that were hit around here such as Mayfield, Cacey, Sandberg, Dresden and a few more. These are places I've seen my whole life, that I've grew up around and to see the buildings that I've seen growing up my whole life just completely torn appart is just mesmerizing. Really makes you just thank God for keeping you safe, but at the same time, I still feel a great deal of remorse for those who where affected. Also little fun fact, the tornado that went through Mayfield hit a CVS pharmacy/store. And after the tornado the CVS was almost as if it was untouched. I did some research and apparently all CVS stores are hurricane proof so yeah. If there's ever a tornado I guess go to a CVS if you're around one 😂

[@KaileyB616]

Were the windows of the CVS still intact too??

[@tormented6396]

@@KaileyB616 not gonna lie I think so but that's been a while ago now lol I don't remember looking at the windows that much but the roof and everything else was perfect.

[@chriswhisenant7241]

Thank you for this... I live in Benton Kentucky and I will never forget that Night....Thank you....

[@matthewwinter1340]

Year and a half later, Mayfield continues to be on the minds of many of us, including me clear up in Iowa. You all coming together like you did, determined to rebuild your city and with one another, is incredible. Side note too, Jesse on this video is a great story teller! His experience had to be terrifying out in his truck when that tornado hit, but I loved his reenactment of it all! Kudos to you sir!

[@allysonh6410]

Have u seen Jonathan’s update video (a year after) on Mayfield?? 💔💔

[@karnaag]

Extremely well done documentary. Kudos to the production team.

[@WxChasing]

Thank you Paul!

[@raworder]

I lived in Fancy Farm for 25 years and My grown children still live in fancy farm and several grandchildren I was on the phone with them all night! Terrified I wasn’t there with them! This is an awesomely done documentary thank you for it!

[@WxChasing]

Glad you liked and thank you for watching.

[@jeanrobart6111]

Gary Rowe--thank you for being our hero that night and helping to save lives.

[@jameshyatte7230]

Lived that night, we were lucky in many ways for our family. Missed our house by yards but all my neighbors on one side of the road weren't as lucky. 4 of my employees were homeless. Terrible night but the way people came to help really makes a difference.

[@christophermccord3316]

I live about 200 miles east from here and I was awakened about 4am EST that morning and we didn't have enough time to get into our basement.... we lost some siding and a few trees but man it was the strongest winds that I have ever experienced in my life and you could feel the barometric pressure drop to a point I couldn't have imagined.... the sound was extremely intense.... it was a crazy morning for sure....

[@Bootmahoy88]

At 22:20 I felt a strange, powerful relief that the grand piano had survived.

[@melfarm9109]

And what a beautiful house it was!

[@CassandraJeffers]

I lost my house in a wildfire in 2017. My whole neighborhood was wiped out. A lot of the feelings in this video are feelings that I felt and still feel. When they mentioned the photos that they can't get back I lost it and bawled my eyes out.

[@wj1040]

I live in Mayfield, and I'll never forget that night and the subsequent week afterwards. Horrific.

[@LacedwithLacey2424]

2:09 oh my heart. That sweet precious baby!💔💔

[@mrslindsay]

this is such a moving thoughtful documentary. some of the shots in this are stunning, some are hauntingly beautiful. So devastating for the ones who lost lives, property, the result of all their hard work 😪 Their lives are forever changed. praying for them tonight!

[@WxChasing]

Thank you Nicole.

[@deathbloom27]

Thank you. I don't really know what else to say, you did this perfectly, you gave these survivors a voice to share their stories and the significance of that will carry on for lifetimes.

[@vincentoconnor5640]

This tornado 100% deserved an EF5 rating.

[@selenepickins4874]

Well, no b/c the EF ratings don't have a single thing to do w/ wind speed or the size of the tornado. The EF scale measures damage. Period. End of discussion. An EF5 would have swept everything clean & left nothing but foundations of homes. Instead this beast took roofs, ceilings & collapsed walls down on top of ppl. IOW, it left a big mess. EF5's sweep everything off the foundations. It's a different kind of mess. Like you I mistakenly thought it was about wind speed but the 2013 El Reno OK monster that was 2.6 miles wide had measured wind speeds of 302 mph & was still just an EF3. And it was the 1st killer of storm chasers ever! RIP Tim & Paul Samaras & Carl Young. Hope this helps. Stay weather aware & always prepared! Peace

[@earlthepearl6414]

MY ratings go on wind speed and this was an EF5. What do you think about that???@@selenepickins4874

[@jmike8934]

@@selenepickins4874 I think that helps highlight the public misconceptions and ridiculousness of the Fujita scale. Most everyone is used to a scale where the category directly references the strength of the event. The Fujita scale doesn't do that and people have a hard time understanding that the same tornado in a different location would get a different number that is used by the media to report how strong it was. It even prevents tornadoes from being classified as tornadoes. I have video of a tornado that went through a patch of woods and crossed 2 fields but because it didn't really do any damage other than trees, the event was classified as straight line winds, despite tornado warnings going out prior, rotation indicated on radar and multiple camera feeds from different property owners showing a funnel on the ground.

[@selenepickins4874]

@@jmike8934 no doubt you're right.

[@ajc-ff5cm]

​@jmike8934 The EF scale works if you know the intricacies of how it works. Most people don't though, so the majority of us scratch our heads. A storm can have EF5 winds and sweep foundations clean, but if it was poor construction, it's still an EF3. Sample size also contributes, if you have only a few structures destroyed and the winds were weak when they were hit, it's EF1 or EF2 even if radar records 200+ mph winds later on. The EF scale doesn't take scope into account either, just maximum potential at a point of damage.

[@cole8834]

I really appreciate the meteorologist saying to put on a helmet, get under a couch etc. I like that they acknowledge that sometimes the building wont protect you at all.

[@tracyrenick9293]

Watched this storm from the beginning on Ryan Hall’s live stream. This is not something that I will ever forget. Just hearing him say how bad this storm was and begging people to take shelter immediately is not something that a person will forget. I cannot imagine what those poor people went through. I believe one of my online professors was from Mayfield.

[@capps2015]

I live and grew up roughly 40 miles as the crow flies South from Mayfield. Over the last 28 years of my life, I've had 5 tornados within 5 miles of my house. 2 of those completely obliterated the next towns Dresden in 21' and Bradford in 06'. The days when the Humidity is crazy high to where your swimming in the air are the days I fear the most. Air full of tornado fuel has a certain eerie feeling that's unmistakable and can't be ignored.

[@dem0nchild610]

What happened in that candle shop was unbelievable all those people could have been alive today if there were let go. I hope everyone responsible for that will see the faces of all those people who's lives were forfeited because of greed it disgusts me

[@matthewchapman2494]

Remember this!! Hit Dresden TN hard!! . God bless y'all..and we're praying for you!!! Be strong.. Mayfield KY!! We are with y'all!!!❤️

[@damienburkhart140]

The switch from storm chaser to concerned passenger around 8:25 was great! Awesome video!

[@carlaaxelson6338]

That video of the theater at the end is amazing. Your community is full of beautiful people. Love from Minnesota ❤️

[@jackiehumphrey3445]

Saw this at maiden alley last night. Wonderful, in depth doc. Looking forward to the one you do on hurricane Ian!

[@ChihuahuaBetch]

Mayfield first united Methodist was my daddy's childhood church. We frequently returned to it throughout the years for weddings, funerals and events. It was a beautiful church and I always felt very welcome. Breaks my heart.

[@wendyshepard2080]

I love seeing the outpouring of compassion a d empathy. It's heartbreaking that it takes disasters to come out in so many

[@mariekatherine5238]

75 F. and sunny in December in KY, you know something’s up.

[@May-qb3vx]

Who knows really. We’ve had some christmases in recent years where it’s peaceful, but you can go grill out and eat Christmas dinner outside on the back deck. It’s some wild weather patterns we’ve been having recently. Kentucky weather is incredibly unpredictable

[@emilyflotilla931]

I'm sure the folks in Wisconsin felt the same in February this year too. SW Michigan here, and fairly well guarded by Sand Dunes here, so the possibility is almost nil, but 15 miles inland is a different story. I saw golfers several days a week on the course here in January and February. Bizarre year.

[@preciousstoryward8708]

I live in Kentucky and remember this day very well!!!

[@chuckmangione4747]

Yep, I live in central KY and they sent out warnings on our phones that woke us up around 1:00 AM. Knew right away that this wasn’t your ordinary tornado warning. Had an ef0 touch down just west of our home but that’s nothing compared to what western KY went through.

[@carlnorth741]

I also don't care what people say about you folks as being bare foot backwoods people ,but I know the real love in your hearts for people that you all have for each other. Driving my big truck though there many times showed me how caring you all are ..I'm sorry to hear of this storm that it you all ..never give up stay strong..

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

Thank you❤️

[@earlymorningtwilight9119]

Much love from upstate ny, practically always barefoot and sometimes a bit backwards.❤

[@MarkVanOuse]

Very well done. It helped me gain a great appreciation for what those folks went through and how they came together to help each other. It also is an incredible testimony to advance Warning Systems both in terms of the weather service and also broadcasters who take local broadcasting seriously. As a veteran broadcaster myself it is sad that fewer and fewer communities have a broadcast station as committed to local programming as the television station in this documentary. And I commend them for doing what they do!

[@johnshields6852]

Guy in the van was very lucky.

[@ettaplace6716]

Excellent documentary - what an unimaginable experience 😢😮!!

[@WxChasing]

Thank you. We spent so much time on it. Hopefully people enjoy it ahead of the 1 year anniversary.

[@JonathanPetramala]

Thank you for watching!

[@shohannie]

I'm from Ireland. We have hurricanes and that's it. Regular storms but none ever bad enough to destroy something large scale. The fear I have of tornadoes and earthquakes... The damage, hurt and death they can cause. I've enjoyed studying them and how they occur but the force they hold is always terrifying.

[@zimm.madville]

What can I say I lived in Dawson springs KY at the time of the tornado (Hall St) it ruined my life I can't sleep at night or in storms now went homeless for months got beat up and robbed,, and no help from FEMA or the state. I about died and no one cared. So I walked back home to Ohio. But I'm still all messed up in my head.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

So sorry all that happened to you❤️

[@allysonh6410]

😢😢😢😢 I’m so sorry. Sending love your way

[@briankistner4331]

The candle factory...... Isn't that where many workers said floor managers wouldn't let them take shelter and made them continue to work?

[@s.morris4099]

Having had emergency squad experience on the east coast, I know what it's like to survive hurricanes, but there are days to prepare for a hurricane, unlike the hours or minutes with this tornado's. I'm sure there will be hundreds of people that will suffer PTSD from this experience. I only hope the people who went through this devastation can get all the help they will need to live their lives comfortably again. ❤

[@jerseystotler3615]

My Mom and Dad came from Mayfield Kentucky. I went there all threw my childhood to my Granny's farm. My Uncle and other cousins and such lived there and in Paducah. I remember going to the Fancy Farm Picnic every summer. My sisters and brothers and I were raised in Illinois so my Dad could work at Caterpillar Tractor Company. But all my relatives are from Kentucky for centuries and I always say I'm pure blooded Kentuckian. I remember praying that night for Kentucky. I now live in SW Missouri hopefully one day I will make it back to Kentucky

[@alexis_ianf]

This was well done! Can only hope the best for victims of the December 10-11 tornado outbreak in the first anniversary.

[@Nebelung8]

Yes the woman that wanted to go (het gut feeling) but she wasn’t allowed to and almost died. Although we don’t know what would’ve happens when she got outside and in the car.

[@DurellSmith]

I know this feeling all too well. I happened to be in Dayton, Ohio the memorial day evening when the EF4 struck the city. It was a horrific sinking feeling. You feel powerless knowing that a monster tornado is coming your way. A nightmare literally.

[@BL-no7jp]

The view of the smashed water tower on the ground really made a statement just how bad this tornado was in Mayfield. I have a friend who moved to Mayfield in the late 80’s. She just moved back to Illinois after this disaster. She has no plans to move back to Mayfield.

[@TheBandit7613]

Wow, I didn't know about this. And to the people of Kentucky, I've never thought of them as barefoot hillbillies. Never heard anyone say that. I don't think anything negative about Kentucky. Sad for those lost, happy for those that survived. Sending best thoughts from Nevada.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

Thank you❤️❤️

[@danadoozer9990]

God bless all the people who went through this awful event. The damage is staggering and so many lives lost. I pray that the survivors have been able to get through this and thrive again.

[@atinwoodsman]

Well done Brandon and Company, top notch doc.

[@JonathanPetramala]

Thank you for watching!

[@boogitybear2283]

A&B BBQ is one of my favorite restaurants in Kentucky. I couldn’t believe when I went to Mayfield it wasn’t even touched; that’s because it’s North of Downtown. Unfortunately, Downtown was a different story.

[@shanealexander5935]

Very good documentary. Born and raised in Dawson Springs. I pray we never go through this again.

[@WxChasing]

Thank you Shane, no area should have to go through it once but some have experienced it multiple times.

[@lpalacios1]

Beautifully done. Thank you all.

[@bettylong7435]

Beautiful insight to the total devistation in Kentucky, 12-10-2021.

[@JonathanPetramala]

Thank you for watching!

[@FeliciaMay13]

I'll never forget my horror while watching these towns be demolished on Ryan Halls live stream coverage. Couldn't turn off or look away.

[@Casey-ry7vc]

Volunteered in mayfield the next day. What I saw made me have more respect for mother nature/meteorologists

[@MitsuriKanroji797]

I bought a weather radio for this exact type of situation, i heard it go off and report the tornado warning in Mayfeild. 10 minutes later they canceled that warning and the storm struck. Thats what ive heard from the news. We had a tornado watch but got the thunderstorms and the wind but no twister.

[@dorothydromgoole8040]

I still pray for Mayfield, KY and hope that something like this doesn't happen again. Love from Marysville, California

[@briangreen256]

The stories are heart breaking but this documentary was very well put together!

[@trutherror]

What a mature and wise little girl. God bless her.

[@bigbizz3503]

It's all the love and affection after such a horrible event that makes it all worth it in the end. It goes to show that we need each other more than we do our homes. I am a tor victim of the May 3, 1999 Moore, Oklahoma Tornado and I know exactly what these folks went through that night. It was all the love and the community coming together that taught me, in my mind one the most important lessons. Love heals even the worst of wounds. For the people who lost family members, it's that love that makes a greater impact than the tornado.

[@hunterporth3302]

The Fact Bremen was the hardest hit area with what should have been Rated EF5 in that area and it occurred near the end of the tornado path is what shocked me the most about this Tornado

[@charleschastain4228]

Wayne Hart is my go to guy. He knows his business. When he speaks I listen. We are very lucky to have him as our meteorologist and I know he's saved alot of people from harm or death. Thank you Wayne

[@poetcomic1]

I loved Mayfield with its historic downtown and its downhome wonderful people. Even thought of retiring there.

[@CoreyMillionaire2029]

It's still being repaired two years later.

[@Mrs.Tincher]

I truly hope Ms. Bristol knows how awesome she is, and I just know she will grow up to do some great things!

[@sheakiersky3535]

I am from Memphis Tn, and all I could do was watch helplessly as this storm passed to my north. It was only the next morning that I realized just how bad the destruction was.

[@getnakedpro]

Storm chasing at night kinda seems like walking into a lion cage with a blindfold on

[@sjnieha]

Thank You for making this video, it is Very well done

[@WxChasing]

Glad you liked it!

[@kenzieoakley]

my grandfather lost his century-old home in Dawson Springs this night. Noah and Trent from WPSD local 6 and Wayne Hart are so beloved in Western KY.

[@hansenfiet2539]

This tornado provided yet another reason on why the current tornado rating system is pathetically FLAWED! This was a guaranteed EF-5 that scoured dirt off the ground, created ground swirl marks and stripped trees down to bare, small nubs. Maybe one of these days, they’ll get rid of that outdated rating system.

[@TJ89741]

I agree with you 💯 how many other tornadoes over the years have been misrated makes you wonder. This was an F5 no doubt about it

[@peacefulpossum2438]

The old Fujita scale rated an F5 as starting at 261 mph. In 2007 the scale was changed and an EF5 starts at 200 mph. The Mayfield tornado had wind speeds of 190 mph.

[@TAStormChasing]

I can't figure out why the rating matters so much for some individuals. Especially ones that weren't affected by it.

[@jackburgess9482]

It wouldn't change the outcome no matter how it was rated, the damage would still be the same, or a different rating wouldn't save any more lives. More research on how tornadoes form and early warning before the tornado hits is the main focus of tornado studies. The enhanced Fujita scale came into play in 2007 and wind speeds have to top 200+ mph to get an EF 5 rating, this one didn't quite make it. I saw the damage of the Oklahoma city, Moore Oklahoma and Joplin Missouri tornados and they were true EF 5 storms. Most tornadoes that occur every year are in the EF 0-2 rating, EF 3 storms are less frequent and an EF 4 or 5 are pretty rare but seem to be getting more frequent over the last few years.

[@suem6004]

Back in the day no one could measure wind speeds. They only had damage to read like tea leaves. Now, we have scientific evidence for wind speeds.

[@calebcopeland3436]

Very well put together loved it man keep it up ❤

[@JonathanPetramala]

Thank you for watching!

[@Sushi2735]

God bless this dear loving community! Just a nightmare for all of them. I have been through three floods, and although it’s horrible, its a completely different set of problems! This is way way worse! Our lower level and tuck under gate flooded. The family room, full bath, work shop and garage were four foot deep in water, even with sub-pumps going. But, at the end of the day of filthy work, we could go up stairs where everything was clean. And have a lovey dinner delivered by a church member. We’d eat, I’d write thank you notes and we were alway from the mess till the next morning. How blessed were we? VERY BLESSED! These poor dear people were in their yards! I pray all of them are recovering today. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@SeverePadron]

The right side of that shot @ 38:00 Is my apartment where I rode it out on the kitchen floor and somehow survived. The left side was my neighbor Ms June's. Unfortunately she didn't survive.

[@allysonh6410]

😢 I’m so sorry. I hope you are ok today ❤

[@SevereWeatherPA]

Fantastic Documentary great job guys!!!

[@JonathanPetramala]

Thank you!

[@cody-vi9fr]

Still to this day, I think the ef4 rating was way off. I hadn’t seen damage that bad since 2011. I truly believe it should’ve been rated and EF5

[@peacefulpossum2438]

The EF scale isn't based on damage. It's based on windspeed and the Mayfield tornado was just shy of rating as an EF5.

[@BulletAgario]

@@peacefulpossum2438 false, the NWS estimates the wind speed based off of the damage it does. Big reason why El Reno was rated an ef3. Didn’t do ef5 damage despite having winds near 300mph.

[@Elysian777]

We were living down by Xenia- horse farm, in '74. My mom knew somehow. We didn't have warnings like sirens back then- way out in the country. She kept me home from school and kept me from hopping on my horse and heading for the hills as I would normally do. She had me take the horses out to the big field and turn them out without halters. The first time she called me and our dog into the cellar of our big farm house I saw she had it set up with jugs of water, cooler and bag of snacks, pillows, boots, outdoor clothes. And the cats. We were basically in and out of that cellar all day and the remnants of Xenias torn removed some strips from our barn roof. We were all ok, though. She taught me the signs that day.

[@annarusso2537]

this thing was very professionally done. Very interesting.