Beshear: Death toll from May 16 storms rises to 20

UPDATE: June 5 at 4:30 p.m.

Another man has died in connection to storms that rolled through the state on May 16, bringing the total death toll to 20, Gov. Beshear announced Thursday.

"The death toll from the May 16-17 severe weather event has now risen to 20 with the passing of a man from McCracken County," Beshear said via X. "Please join Britainy and me in praying for his family and all those affected."

UPDATE: May 22 at 1:30 p.m.

Governor Andy Beshear provided an update on the tornado that hit Kentucky on May 16, reporting that the death toll remains at 19, while 8 people are still in the hospital.

Beshear added that a federal assistance application was submitted on Tuesday. He noted that tornado victims should take photos and videos of any damage and contact the insurance company right away.

Notably, of the eight people in the hospital, four are in good condition. Beshear said that there are no missing people.

UPDATE: May 18 at 6:30 p.m.

According to Governor Andy Beshear, there are currently 10 injured Kentuckians being treated at the University of Kentucky Hospital. He says of those 10, three remain in "critical condition" while four have been upgraded to "fair" condition, and three have been reported to be in "good" condition.

UPDATE: May 18 at 2:12 p.m.

According to Governor Beshear, the death toll from recent storms has now risen to 19 with the addition of an adult woman from Russell County.

UPDATE: May 17 at 7:06 p.m.

During a press conference, Beshear, along with other officials, provided information on what occurred during the deadly storms and what operations will be taking place going forward.

A release from the governor's office states that seven counties and one city in Kentucky have declared states of emergency following severe overnight weather.

Beshear also noted that 70 Kentucky National Guard soldiers and airmen are assisting in Laurel and Pulaski counties, working alongside Kentucky State Police to enhance public safety through roving and stationary patrols. KSP troopers and officers are also on the ground in Laurel County assisting the Laurel County Sheriff's Office and the National Guard.

UH-60 Blackhawk crews have also conducted aerial surveys of both counties to assess damage to the, and KSP telecommunicators have answered more than 4,000 calls for service since Saturday morning, the release states.

The governor notes that more than 24 state highways are closed either from previous slides and flooding or from debris, downed power lines and current flooding. Officials recommend visiting goky.ky.gov before traveling to check for road closures.

In addition, the release states that Cumberland Falls and Lake Cumberland state resort parks have been activated to shelter those impacted by the severe weather.

UPDATE: May 17 at 3:10 p.m.

Governor Andy Beshear announced that the death toll from the recent severe weather has now reached 18. According to Beshear, 17 of those deaths are from Laurel County and one is from Pulaski County.

UPDATE: May 17 at 10 a.m.

Following the news from Governor Beshear that 14 people have been confirmed dead after an intense storm hit the state, Congressman Andy Barr released a statement:

UPDATE: May 17 at 8:30 a.m.

Governor Andy Beshear now says at least 14 Kentuckians are dead after severe weather swept across Kentucky on Friday night. Nine of those people died following what is now described as a 'mass casualty' event by authorities in Laurel County.

As the search for victims and survivors continues, KY 363 near Wyan Pine Elementary will be closed until 2 p.m. to allow crews to do so.

In addition, the Louisville Fire Department reported that 12 trained personnel from the fire department and 12 trained personnel from Jefferson County Search and Rescue were deployed to London to aid the community.

The department noted that crews arrived at around 2 a.m. on Saturday with rescue and recovery resources.

UPDATE: May 17 at 4 a.m.

A warming, first aid, and food station is currently being set up at South Laurel High School for victims of severe weather, Sheriff John Root reports. The high school will also serve as a location for donations and a relief station for first responders.

Those interested in donated can bring food, blankets or other supplies to help victims; Root urged the public to "bring items or food...as soon as possible."

Laurel County Sheriff's Office

UPDATE: May 17 at 3:02 a.m.

Fatalities and serious injuries have been confirmed in Laurel County.

ORIGINAL STORY:

In a social media post, the Laurel County Fiscal Court reported that several areas of the county were struck by a tornado and "multiple injuries" have been reported.

As the injured are evacuated and crews work to search homes, KY 363 remains closed.

The court also reports that other areas hit in the county include the London-Corbin Airport, Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park, the Oaks of London subdivision, and Sunshine Hills.

The Corbin Police Department urged the public to "stop and pray" for residents of Laurel County and victims of the tornado.

"Remember the emergency service personnel that are sorting through the debris and still inside the storm," CPD said.

The department responded to a call for mutual aid to clear debris from the interstate, and it "was an emotional sight to see," the reported.

SOMERSET & PULASKI COUNTY

UPDATE: May 17 at 8 a.m.

Several buisinesses in London sustained catastrophic damage, including the South location of Baxter's Coffee.

"During last night's tornado in Somerset, our South location at light 22 recieved catastrophic damage," the business said on Facebook.

However, the original location and drive-thrus will operate normally on Saturday.

Air Evac Lifeteam 179, based in London, also received damage to their helicopters. According to the Prestonsburg team, the crew were moved to shelter and were unharmed.

"Metal can be replaced, we are just thankful for their health and safety! To the communities of Somerset and London, we grieve with you!," the Prestonsburg team, Air Evac Lifeteam 116, said.

UPDATE: May 17 at 3 a.m.

A state of emergency has been declared in Pulaski County by Judge Executive Marshall Todd. Red Cross is slated to be on scene come daylight to begin recovery efforts.

Power company South RECC's Somerset headquarters experienced "significant damage as a result if the devestating weather that passed through earlier," the company said on social media.

They encouraged the public to stay away from downed power lines, and that updates will be shared as more information becomes available.

Original Story:

The Somerset Fire Department is also urging the public to avoid the area damaged by the tornado.

"This is not the time to come out and sightsee, the extra traffic is causing our rescue units problems!" the department said on Facebook early Saturday.

The Pulaski County Coroner reports that they have not responded to any casualty calls as of now.