LONDON, Ky. (May 17, 2025) – After surveying storm damage this afternoon, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on severe weather that hit South Central Kentucky particularly hard with a tornado touching down in Laurel County.
“We’ve had more than our fair share of natural disasters in Kentucky in recent years,” said Gov. Beshear. “And while we can’t know why Kentucky keeps getting hit and it feels tough for our people to be facing this level of pain and destruction – one thing we know here in the commonwealth is how to come together, live our faith and values and help our neighbors in their time of need.”
The Governor said that, as of 1 p.m. EDT Saturday, there were 18 confirmed deaths connected to the severe weather. The fatalities include 17 people in Laurel County and one in Pulaski County.
First responders from Kentucky Emergency Management, the Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky State Police (KSP), the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet have been onsite since this morning.
Saturday afternoon, first responders were focused on search and rescue efforts. Anyone missing a loved one who is able to travel should go to Faith Assembly of God at 390 Faith Assembly Church Road in London and speak with the Kentucky State Police and Laurel County Sheriff’s Office. Those unable to travel can report missing persons to 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), selecting option 4 when prompted.
The Governor was joined at Saturday afternoon’s briefing by Director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management Eric Gibson, KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr., Senate President Robert Stivers, State Rep. Shane Baker and Laurel County Sheriff John Root, along with other local, state and federal officials and their representatives.
Ahead of the storm, the Governor declared a state of emergency. Earlier today, Gov. Beshear spoke with federal Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Office of the Governor has been in communication with the White House.
In the wake of the severe weather overnight, 7 counties and 1 city have declared states of emergency.
Kentucky National Guard: Nearly 70 soldiers and airmen are assisting in Laurel and Pulaski. Guardsmen are assisting Kentucky State Police with roving and stationary patrols in Laurel County to enhance public safety. UH-60 Blackhawk crews conducted aerial surveys of Laurel and Pulaski counties to review damage and assess the area.
Kentucky State Police: KSP telecommunicators have answered more than 4,000 calls for service since this morning. KSP troopers and officers are on the ground in Laurel County to assist the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office and the National Guard.
Kentucky State Parks: Cumberland Falls and Lake Cumberland state resort parks have been activated to shelter those impacted by the severe weather.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: State highway crews across the state went on call before the storm and responded overnight to downed trees, hail and tornado damage to clear roadways for emergency responders and rescue efforts. Chainsaw and backhoe crews continue to work alongside firefighters and police, clearing debris and assisting utility crews as they untangle lines and reset poles. Signal crews are working to restore traffic lights – drivers should treat dark signals as four-way stops.
Emergency Shelter: First Baptist Church at 804 W. Fifth St. in London.
Road Closures: More than 24 state highways are closed either from previous slides and flooding or from debris, downed power lines and current flooding. Visit goky.ky.gov before traveling to make sure your route is not affected by road closures.
Power Outages: At the time of the Governor’s briefing, about 69,218 customers were reportedly without power, down from a high of 172,711. This number is constantly changing.
Water Outages: Approximately 185 customers are without water, and 9,500 customers are under a boil water advisory.
When to Call 911: If you have an emergency or life-threatening situation, dial 911 for immediate available assistance.
Rapid Needs Assessment: If you have immediate needs that are not life-threatening, please complete the Rapid Needs Assessment Form or call 502-607-6665. These needs include: power is out or inconsistent; individuals with medical needs or disabilities; no food or unable to cook; no or very little drinking water; unable to leave house due to weather and lack of transportation; phone issues; unable to leave vehicle; checking on a loved one; and more.
Emergency Prescription Refills: Gov. Beshear signed an executive order allowing Kentucky pharmacists to dispense emergency 30-day refills for any non-controlled medication.
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians and anyone else who would like to help that the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund is there to help survivors, including paying for funeral expenses for those lost in the disaster. To donate, click here.