Gov. Andy Beshear announced more weather-related deaths Saturday afternoon, following tornadoes, wind, and hail that ripped through Kentucky Friday evening and Saturday morning.
In an afternoon news briefing, the governor put the death toll in Southern Kentucky at 18 and predicted that it would rise. He said 17 of the deaths occurred in Laurel County and one in Pulaski County.
Beshear talked about a “devastatingly strong tornado that tore through a subdivision in the middle of the night, and that’s the worst kind of natural disaster.”
Firefighter Leslie Roger Leatherman, a major in the Laurel County Fire Department, died while responding to an emergency overnight, according to a social media post from the department.
“For 39 years, Major Leatherman was a dedicated public servant, answering the call to protect and assist others during their most critical time of need. “His courage, commitment, and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the department stated. “As we continue search and recovery efforts in the affected areas, we ask that everyone stays clear to allow our teams to do their work safely and effectively.”
In a 5 p.m. briefing Saturday, Eshear stated that power had been restored to more than 100,000 customers, leaving 69,218 without it. He said the number of power outages had reached 170,295 by 2:15 a.m. on Saturday.
The governor stated that ten people injured in the storms were in critical condition, while others were still receiving medical care.
Beshear stated that he has requested a federal disaster declaration and spoke with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) administrator on Saturday. The governor praised FEMA’s response, as he did following flooding in Kentucky in February and April.
Speaking at the briefing at the London airport, Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers of nearby Manchester pledged that the legislature is prepared to provide the necessary funding for recovery.
Somerset Mayor Alan Keck declared a local state of emergency on Saturday morning. London Mayor Randall Weddle told Lexington TV station WKYT that “lives have been changed forever here tonight.”
Beshear declared a statewide state of emergency on Friday due to the “dangerous” storm system. Beshear wrote on X that five counties had also declared a local state of emergency.
“This is another tough morning for Kentucky after a night of deadly weather,” Beshear wrote on X, mentioning that he had spoken with FEMA officials. “The devastation from last night’s deadly weather is heartbreaking, but we are going to make sure we get the support needed to recover and rebuild together.”
Social media users on Facebook and X shared photos of what appeared to be a large overnight tornado in Southeastern Kentucky. South Kentucky RECC, a local electricity cooperative, posted on Facebook that their Somerset building suffered a “major hit.” The London-Corbin airport in Laurel County shared drone footage on Facebook of demolished buildings and nearby homes.
Beshear stated in an X post that the Red Cross had available space at the First Baptist Church of London and that more information about other shelter options would be shared as it became available.
Sen. Brandon Storm of Laurel County, Sen. Rick Girdler of Pulaski County, and Senate President Robert Stivers of multiple counties in southeastern Kentucky issued the following joint statement:
“This is one of the most difficult days our communities and region have ever faced. Lives have been lost. Families have been shattered. Homes and businesses were destroyed. Unfortunately, we expect the loss to increase as search and rescue efforts continue.
“The destruction in Laurel and Pulaski counties is overwhelming, but so is the resilience of the people who call this place home. Neighbors are already stepping up to help one another, and first responders are working around the clock.
“Local and state officials are working to provide immediate assistance to those in need.” If you can help, please do so. “Every act of kindness has an impact.”Our hearts are heavy today, but our commitment to rebuilding these communities is even stronger.”
