At least 14 killed, others injured in storms in Kentucky. See latest weather updates
At least 14 people have died and others were injured in storms that struck Kentucky overnight.
The Laurel County Sheriff's Office has reported nine deaths in its eastern Kentucky community, while Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear reported at least 14 total. Others have been reported injured in Louisville, with information continuing to roll in.
"Kentucky, we are waking up to the news of multiple fatalities from last night's storms," Beshear posted on social media. "Please pray for those impacted. We will update as soon as we have more information."
Here is the latest information from around Louisville and Kentucky.
Beshear said in a social media post that power outages are down to around 83,000.
Earlier, he shared that more than 100,000 Kentucky residents were without power as of Saturday morning.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said in a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Louisville is still recovering from power outages and storm damage.He also said, 'there were no life threatening injuries resulting from the storm that we are aware of at this time.'
Several Republican state senators issued a joint statement on the deadly storms and damages in Laurel and Pulaski counties.Sen. Brandon Storm, who represents Laurel County, Sen. Rick Girdler, who represents Pulaski County, and Senate President Robert Stivers said in the statement, 'this is one of the hardest days our communities and region have faced. … Sadly, we expect the loss to grow as search and rescue efforts continue.''The destruction in Laurel and Pulaski counties is overwhelming, but so is the strength of the people who call this place home', the statement continued. 'Neighbors are already showing up to help one another, and first responders continue working around the clock.'
Somerset Mayor Alan Keck issued a state of emergency for the city after last night's severe storms.
According to a post on Facebook, a tornado and storm 'hit the area of Parker's Mill Road' and possibly other areas in the city between Friday night and Saturday morning.
The 'damage is extensive and the loss of life occurred,' the post stated, but the extent of the damage was not fully known.
According to another post from South Kentucky RECC, a rural elective cooperative in southern Kentucky, the agency's Somerset facilities 'took a major hit,' and it asked people to avoid the area as they assess damage.
Beshear shared in a social media post on Facebook that he will be traveling to London, Kentucky to assess damage from last night's severe weather.
Beshear, who declared a state of emergency ahead of the storms, also said more than 100,000 are without power, and five counties have declared a state of emergency.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, meanwhile, is reporting 'minimal roadway impacts,' he said.
He also thanked Kentucky Emergency Management, first responders and others for the response to the storms and keeping Kentuckians informed and safe.
To report a power outage to LG&E and KU, text OUTAGE to 4LGEKU (454358). The company will use the number you text from to find the location where power is out, according to its website. You will need to verify your address when reporting the outage.
For outage updates, text STATUS to the same number above.
The National Weather Service reported possible tornadoes in Pulaski and Laurel counties in southeastern Kentucky.
According to a storm report from May 16, a trained spotter reported a tornado in Somerset, while "likely tornado damage" was shown at the London-Corbin Airport.
Meteorologist Jim Caldwell shared video on social media of what appears to be a tornado near Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park and the airport in London.
Beshear shared in a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that at least 14 people died from the overnight storms.
'This number is expected to grow as we receive more information,' Beshear said. 'Please pray for all of our affected families."
Over 45,000 Kentucky residents across LG&E and KU's service area are without power following severe storms and weather from Friday night and early Saturday morning.
In Laurel County, where the local sheriff's office reported a tornado tore across the area just before midnight, around 1,900 customers are without power.
Meanwhile, more than 28,000 costumers are without power in Jefferson County.
A full list of outages can be found on the LG&E and KU's outage map.
A tree collapsed "across the center" of a home in the 1500 block of Wurtele Avenue in Louisville late Friday night, injuring two adults and two young children, according to a press release from the Louisville Fire Department.
The occupants had been trapped in the house but were successfully rescued and transported to a local hospital with "what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries," the release stated.
A tornado tore across Laurel County just before midnight, according to the county's Sheriff John Root.
At least nine individuals are confirmed dead and "numerous others" sustained severe injuries, according to a statement posted on the Laurel County Sheriff's Office social media from Root.
A search is ongoing for survivors, per an update at 5:43 a.m.
A relief station has already been set up at South Laurel High School gym, according to Laurel County Clerk Tony Brown. The station has supplies for victims of the tornado, as well as food for victims and first responders.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky weather updates: 14 killed, others injured in storms
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