MCDANIELS, Ky. — Several counties in Kentucky were under a Tornado Warning on Thursday morning.
The winds were so strong they blew the roof off of Ben Johnson Elementary School (BJES), forcing them to close for the day due to the damage.
Building survey crews evaluating damage at BJES after a non-tornadic storm tore the roof sheeting away over the gym and kitchen areas. Educators arriving to prep for the day's classes were the first to spot the damage.
"Early this morning we began to receive calls as the staff began to arrive at school that we had damage to the building, so immediately we began assessing if it was going to be safe for students," Jayme Knochel, assistant superintendent of Breckinridge County Schools, said.
About 200 students were taken to Breckinridge County High School for the day while crews assessed the damage. The state building inspector, gas company, electric company and roofers all brought on property. Damage was limited to mostly the cafeteria area and gym.
"Once we decided the building was not safe for students, we actually routed our students to the high school and our teachers joined them there so they have been attending school there today," Knochel said.
Neighboring stores and homes also saw car ports blown across the street, car windows blown and mangled siding in trees.
Roof and water damage are top priorities for repairs, though district leaders say there could be more damage beneath the surface. For now, Knochel says she's grateful students weren't in the building, staff wasn't hurt and the damage wasn't worse.
"We just want to thank the community, thank our parents and the staff -- staff at multiple schools have chipped in today and we are just so grateful for everyone's patience as we worked through this emergency this morning," she said.
Late Thursday afternoon, Breckinridge County Schools sent out a statement to families reading:
Due to possible inclement weather overnight and into tomorrow morning as well as our issues at Ben Johnson Elementary stemming from the storm this morning, the Breckinridge County School District will be utilizing NTI Day #1 tomorrow, January 13, 2023.
If you have questions about your child’s work for tomorrow, you can check out our NTI Website, contact your child's teacher, or call your child's school.
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