DAWSON SPRINGS, Ky. — A local community is lending a hand to those affected by Sunday night’s tornadoes.
The National Weather Service issued a preliminary EF-3 rating for the tornado that hit Dawson Springs.
People in Mayfield are sending help because they were going through this same recovery with Dawson Springs less than three years ago.
The Mayfield community packs a trailer full of necessities to meet the immediate needs of Dawson Springs tornado survivors.
All electricity was restored to the city.
Now that roadways are much clearer, it’s all about assessing the damage and getting survivors the help they need.
Jordan Madding, a Mayfield tornado survivor, is spearheading that effort in his hometown after seeing the damage for himself.
“You can’t go 100 feet without downed trees. So there were- there actually happened to be two road crews there at the time and so they were clearing the road, but we were working making small paths just to get to the residents,” Madding said.
It’s what inspired Madding to give back.
He thinks back to how the Mayfield community was supported after the December 2021 tornado.
He said he wanted to show up for his neighbors.
“We had trucks coming in with supplies from every corner of the us, coming to Mayfield and pouring their heart out. Now it seems like it’s Mayfield’s turn to get to show a little bit of heart,” said Madding.
Madding enlisted the help of his church, His House Ministries, and Pastor Stephen Boyken to help spread the word.
Boyken said seeing Dawson Springs in need again brings up a lot of emotions.
“Our hearts hurt for those who are hurting. It’s been a difficult couple of days,” Boyken said.
Because of their firsthand experience with tornado recovery, they know exactly what Dawson Springs needs.
“We’ve learned a lot along the path. We don’t want to be in the way, and so we’re coming in with relief that will do the most good. That’s why we’re not accepting any clothes to do the most good, to get it there now,” said Boyken.
Madding hopes that when survivors receive this help, they can feel how much Mayfield cares.
“We just want them to know that we’re here for you. We love you. This is what God wants us to do,” Madding said.
His House Ministries is also packing care packages Wednesday.
These will be filled with things like plushies or toys to help address the emotional needs of these people that have lost so much.
The National Weather Service could potentially upgrade the tornado from an EF-3 to EF-4.
They must first consult with experts to ensure that rating would be consistent.
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