LONDON, Ky. (May 20, 2025) – After visiting the Laurel County and city of London emergency operations centers, Gov. Andy Beshear today provided an update on severe weather that hit South Central Kentucky particularly hard with a tornado touching down in Laurel County.
“I promise that we will be there for our people until every home and every life is rebuilt. And I want to thank all our heroic first responders for the work they’ve done over the past few days,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is another incredibly tough time for Kentucky. And it’s another reminder that life is short and it’s our duty to be kind and do good. As always – we will get through this together.”
The Governor was joined at the briefing by Director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management Eric Gibson, Laurel County Judge/Executive David Westerfield, London Mayor Randall Weddle, Laurel County Sheriff John Root and American Red Cross Bluegrass Chapter Executive Director Lynne Washbish, along with other local, state and federal officials or their representatives.
The Governor said that, as of 9 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, there were 19 confirmed deaths connected to the severe weather. The fatalities include 17 people in Laurel County, one in Pulaski County and one in Russell County. There are eight injured people at the University of Kentucky Hospital: two in critical condition, two in serious condition and four in good condition.
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians and anyone else who would like to help that the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund is there to support survivors, including paying for funeral expenses for those lost in the disaster. To donate, click here.
The Governor also updated Kentuckians on upcoming severe weather, as storms are expected today starting around 2 p.m. EDT in the west and reaching the eastern part of the commonwealth between 8 and 11 p.m. EDT. There is the risk of strong winds, hail and tornadoes, especially in the far west. With debris still on the ground, the incoming storms and high winds could create a dangerous mix of rain and flying debris.
The Governor encouraged Kentuckians to be cautious and to consider not traveling during this time, especially in already damaged areas. Gov. Beshear said there is currently a NOAA Weather Radio outage for the National Weather Service in Louisville. Those who rely on the Louisville radio for their NOAA weather warnings are advised to find an alternative alert system.
Gov. Beshear reported that he has consulted with local leaders in London, and they all agree that the hardest hit neighborhoods in London will need to be evacuated ahead of today’s storms. It is not safe to be near the debris with the high winds expected. The evacuation and sheltering of these neighborhoods will begin at 6 p.m. and continue until 11 p.m. EDT.
For those in Laurel County, the Sheriff’s Office at 203 S. Broad St. in London will be sheltering people during the upcoming storms. A second shelter will be open at West London Baptist Church at 360 Parker Road in London.
There are currently 20 people affected by the May 16-17 weather event in congregate shelter – 16 at Airbnbs and 65 in hotels. Team Kentucky is working to get travel trailers set up at Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park.
Kentucky State Parks: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is sheltering 12 people occupying four rooms.
Kentucky Emergency Management: Teams are continuing efforts to survey and document damage. The Governor also encouraged survivors to document damage. This documentation is how the commonwealth makes the best case for federal assistance. The Governor said the commonwealth has submitted a request with FEMA asking for both Individual and Public Assistance. This is an initial request, and more counties will likely be added as damage assessments come in.
Power Outages: At the time of the Governor’s briefing, about 4,628 customers were without power, down from a high of 172,711.
Water Outages: Approximately 60 customers are without water, and 2,108 customers are under a boil water advisory.
Kentucky State Police and Kentucky National Guard: KSP troopers and Guard members are providing 24-hour security patrols in storm-impacted areas to prevent looting. Only residents and authorized personnel will be permitted in these areas. At this time, KSP Post 11 has no reports of missing persons. If someone needs to report a missing person or request a wellness check, they should contact their local KSP post.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: More than 200 transportation crew members from Laurel, Pulaski and surrounding counties have been working to clean up this weekend’s damage. This includes untangling power lines and resetting poles, removing debris and blocking and detouring roads so power crews can restore service. Don’t travel in damaged areas unless absolutely necessary. Visit goky.ky.gov before traveling to make sure your route is not affected by road closures.
Ahead of the storm, the Governor declared a state of emergency. Gov. Beshear also signed an executive order that allows pharmacists to dispense emergency 30-day refills for any non-controlled medication. He also implemented the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storms. Consumers should report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.
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 inconsistent or no power; 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.