WYMT is reporting at least 14 people are dead after severe weather ripped through the area late Friday evening. Nine of those deaths have been confirmed in Laurel County, and another in neighboring Pulaski County. Gov. Andy Beshear announced just after 8 a.m. Saturday, the death toll had climbed to 14, but did not say where those additional deaths were. Beshear says he will travel to Laurel County on Saturday to survey the damage. He will be holding a press conference at 5 p.m. Saturday to give an update on the situation.
In Laurel County, the tornado hit at approximately 11:49 p.m., traveling across Keavy Road, Kentucky 1006, Old Whitley Road, and the London Corbin Airport. Laurel County Sheriff John Root says the search is continuing in the damaged area for survivors as emergency service personnel are in the damaged area assisting on the search. In addition to the nine deaths in Laurel County, the sheriff says numerous others suffered severe injuries.
According to Kentucky State Police, First Baptist Church at 804 W. Fifth Street in London will provide shelter to those affected by the tornado. The sheriff’s office says 20 cots are also available at the warming station at South Laurel High School Gym. Also, personal hygiene items, diapers, blankets, and food are available. If you are missing a loved one, KSP says you 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. The screen shot above is from a video a WKYT viewer sent of the tornado about five miles south of London, just past the Levi Jackson Park area