1:30 p.m.: Beshear speaks with Biden amid push for federal aid
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed Saturday afternoon that he'd spoken with President Joe Biden about the devastating tornadoes, along with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell.
A readout of the call provided by the White House said the president expressed his condolences and "indicated that he has directed FEMA and other Federal agencies to provide the speediest assistance possible to impacted communities." The two sides will remain in touch, the White House said.
Kentucky's two senators and six representatives in Congress, meanwhile, sent a letter to the White House encouraging Biden and other federal officials to provide additional assistance, noting that at least 50 deaths have been reported. The National Guard and Kentucky State Police have been mobilized, the letter noted, but storm damage has hampered their response.