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Multiple deaths reported in Somerset and London due to late night tornadoes UPDATED
By Stan Ingold
May 17, 2025 at 5:05 AM EDT
**This story will be updated**
**Updated Sunday 05/18 11:45PM**
*Governor Beshear has announced the death toll has risen to 19. One person has died in Russell County, One person in Pulaski County, and 17 people have tied in Laurel County.
*FEMA crews are expected to be on the ground Monday to begin assessments of damage.
**Update 6:45 PM**
*Governor Andy Beshear says he has spoken with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noam and officials with FEMA, and that they have vowed to help. He has also made an official request for a federal disaster declaration.
**Update 6:35 PM**
*Governor Andy Beshear has announced the official death toll now stands at 18. 1 of the deaths happened in Pulaski County, the other 17 are in Laurel County.
**Update 3:04 PM**
*The Laurel County Fire Department reports that a firefighter has died after being injured responding to the storms.
Facebook post about fallen firefighter Major Roger Leslie Leatherman (728x605, AR: 1.203305785123967)
**Update 11:47 AM**
*Early this morning, the Lexington Fire Department deployed two separate crews to assist in the aftermath of tornadoes that struck Laurel and Pulaski Counties overnight.
WHO:
· Six specially trained Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) firefighters were sent to Somerset in Pulaski County to support search and recovery efforts.
· Our Mobile Ambulance Bus (MAB), along with three personnel, was deployed to London in Laurel County to help relocate patients and provide support to those displaced by the storm.
· One District Chief Officer was also assigned to assist the Incident Management Team in Laurel County.
The Lexington Fire Department is closely coordinating with emergency management officials and will remain ready to assist as needed.
**Update 10:48 AM**
*
Governor Andy Beshear Facebook update on tornado recovery efforts (728x299, AR: 2.4347826086956523)
**Update 8:58 AM**
*Kentucky State Police say First Baptist Church at 804 W. Fifth Street in London will provide shelter to those affected by the tornado. The Laurel County Sheriff’s office says 20 cots are available at the warming station at South Laurel High School Gym. Personal hygiene items, diapers, blankets, and food are available.
Anyone missing a loved one, KSP says they should go to Faith Assembly of God at 390 Faith Assembly Church Road to speak with a detective from the Kentucky State Police or the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office.
**Update 8:15 AM**
*Update from the governor's office has the death toll now at 14.
**Update 6:27 AM**
*Laurel County Sheriff's office has confirmed at least nine people have died as a result of the stormand numerous injuries have been reported. Crews are still searching homes and buildings.
*Original Story
Multiple deaths have been reported in Pulaski and Laurel Counties in southern and southeastern Kentucky.
Somerset and London have been hit particularly hard, with many homes and buildings damaged in the early morning hours.
Crews are still evaluating the situation, and responders are still searching homes and buildings for survivors.
Officials are asking people to stay out of the impacted areas to allow crews to do their work.
Over 135-thousand people are currently without power throughout Kentucky.
Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency Friday morning in advance of the severe weather.
**Updated Sunday 05/18 11:45PM**
*Governor Beshear has announced the death toll has risen to 19. One person has died in Russell County, One person in Pulaski County, and 17 people have tied in Laurel County.
*FEMA crews are expected to be on the ground Monday to begin assessments of damage.
**Update 6:45 PM**
*Governor Andy Beshear says he has spoken with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noam and officials with FEMA, and that they have vowed to help. He has also made an official request for a federal disaster declaration.
**Update 6:35 PM**
*Governor Andy Beshear has announced the official death toll now stands at 18. 1 of the deaths happened in Pulaski County, the other 17 are in Laurel County.
**Update 3:04 PM**
*The Laurel County Fire Department reports that a firefighter has died after being injured responding to the storms.
Facebook post about fallen firefighter Major Roger Leslie Leatherman (728x605, AR: 1.203305785123967)
**Update 11:47 AM**
*Early this morning, the Lexington Fire Department deployed two separate crews to assist in the aftermath of tornadoes that struck Laurel and Pulaski Counties overnight.
WHO:
· Six specially trained Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) firefighters were sent to Somerset in Pulaski County to support search and recovery efforts.
· Our Mobile Ambulance Bus (MAB), along with three personnel, was deployed to London in Laurel County to help relocate patients and provide support to those displaced by the storm.
· One District Chief Officer was also assigned to assist the Incident Management Team in Laurel County.
The Lexington Fire Department is closely coordinating with emergency management officials and will remain ready to assist as needed.
**Update 10:48 AM**
*
Governor Andy Beshear Facebook update on tornado recovery efforts (728x299, AR: 2.4347826086956523)
**Update 8:58 AM**
*Kentucky State Police say First Baptist Church at 804 W. Fifth Street in London will provide shelter to those affected by the tornado. The Laurel County Sheriff’s office says 20 cots are available at the warming station at South Laurel High School Gym. Personal hygiene items, diapers, blankets, and food are available.
Anyone missing a loved one, KSP says they should go to Faith Assembly of God at 390 Faith Assembly Church Road to speak with a detective from the Kentucky State Police or the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office.
**Update 8:15 AM**
*Update from the governor's office has the death toll now at 14.
**Update 6:27 AM**
*Laurel County Sheriff's office has confirmed at least nine people have died as a result of the stormand numerous injuries have been reported. Crews are still searching homes and buildings.
*Original Story
Multiple deaths have been reported in Pulaski and Laurel Counties in southern and southeastern Kentucky.
Somerset and London have been hit particularly hard, with many homes and buildings damaged in the early morning hours.
Crews are still evaluating the situation, and responders are still searching homes and buildings for survivors.
Officials are asking people to stay out of the impacted areas to allow crews to do their work.
Over 135-thousand people are currently without power throughout Kentucky.
Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency Friday morning in advance of the severe weather.