Thirty-six tornadoes were reported across six states, including Illinois, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky. More than 70 people in Kentucky alone are "certain" to be dead, and the toll could rise to above 100, according to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who declared a state of emergency Saturday morning.
"We were pretty sure that we would lose over 50 Kentuckians. I'm now certain that that number is north of 70," Beshear said in a news conference. "It may, in fact, end up exceeding 100 before the day is done."
WATCH: "WE WILL OPEN YOU UP LIKE A SOFT PEANUT"
A tornado struck Mayfield, Kentucky, destroying a candle facility that was in commission. At least 110 people were in the facility when it hit, according to local news source WLKY. Rescue efforts are underway, per Kentucky Emergency Management Director Michael Dossett.
WATCH: HOW WAS JURY SELECTION HANDLED IN TRUMP'S TRIAL?
So far, 40 people have been rescued from the factory, with the last successful rescue there happening at approximately 3:30 a.m., Beshear said. Hundreds of successful rescues have happened across the state.
A LOOK INSIDE DEMOCRATS' PLAN TO WIN BACK THE HOUSE WITH RECORD INVESTMENT
Over 180 National Guard members have been stationed so far in the state, with more predicted during the day as help is requested, Beshear added. Another emergency assistance from neighboring counties has also come in to aid.
DEMS' LAST-MINUTE BID TO SAVE SEATS AMID SOUTHERN BORDER TURMOIL!
The storm also hit a county jail in Mayfield. Prisoners from the jail had come to help sort through the damage and rescue trapped workers, according to Kyana Parsons-Perez, a factory survivor. Parsons-Perez had been trapped for a couple of hours before she was rescued.
ICE BLUNDER: AFGHAN NATIONAL SUSPECTED OF TERROR TIES ESCAPES U.S. TRACKING PROGRAM IN DAYS...
"They could have used that moment to try to run away or anything, but they did not. They were there, helping us," Parsons-Perez told TODAY.
Mayfield Fire Chief Jeremy Creason said the main fire department was in the direct path of the tornado and has not been operating. The officials' priorities are the candle facility and finding a provisional station for the 45 firefighters in the town, he said.
FOX NEWS COLUMNIST TEARS APART MTG'S "RECKLESS AGENDA"
Police Chief Nathan Kent said there would be a mandatory curfew for nonessential workers in the town at 7 p.m. so essential officials can work effectively through the night.
ARMY FINANCIAL ADVISOR'S DOUBLE LIFE: HOW HE DUPED GRIEVING MILITARY FAMILIES FOR MILLIONS
An Amazon warehouse in Illinois also received "catastrophic damage" with an estimated 50-100 employees inside the building, according to Fox News. The Edwardsville Police Department said that it is an "active search and recovery scene" with multiple agencies giving a hand. Two people have been verified dead so far, according to Police Chief Mike Fillback, with two taken by helicopter to a hospital in St. Louis. Thirty others were sent to a nearby police station for examination.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
