LONDON, Ky. (WATE) — Multiple fatalities have been confirmed in Laurel County, Kentucky following a reported tornado.
On Saturday morning, the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office announced that a tornado had caused the deaths of nine individuals, with several others suffering severe injuries. Rescue teams are still in search of any survivors. By just after 3 p.m., the death toll had increased according to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, reaching a total of 18 statewide, with 17 fatalities in Laurel County and an additional one in Pulaski County. By Sunday, a casualty in Russell County raised the total to 19.
Among those who lost their lives was Major Roger Leslie Leatherman, a dedicated member of the Laurel County Fire Department. The department conveyed that Leatherman was tragically injured while responding to the tornado.
The sheriff’s office reported that the tornado struck Laurel County at around 11:49 p.m. on Friday, making its way through Keavy Road, Old Whitley Road, and the London-Corbin Airport area.
As the search for survivors continued Saturday morning, the sheriff’s office said Keavy Road near Wyan Pine Elementary School will be closed until 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon, London Mayor Randall Weddle shared photos of the damage taken from a helicopter. He wrote on social media that the reported tornado originated in Pulaski County and continued through the Oaks of London subdivision.
“Debris is scattered for up to three miles past the golf course, a stark reminder of the storm’s power,” Weddle wrote. “Please continue praying for our community and for the Air Evac Life Team they lost their hangar and a helicopter in this devastation. It’s so important for us to have partners like them who are dedicated to helping us through times of crisis.”
Previously, Weddle told 6 News that there were confirmed fatalities in the area. The Laurel-Whitley County Emergency Management Office has also reported multiple fatalities, according to the Laurel County Fiscal Court.
An aerial view of damage in London, Kentucky (London Mayor Randall Weddle) An aerial view of damage in London, Kentucky (London Mayor Randall Weddle) An aerial view of damage in London, Kentucky (London Mayor Randall Weddle) An aerial view of damage in London, Kentucky (London Mayor Randall Weddle) An aerial view of damage in London, Kentucky (London Mayor Randall Weddle) Storm damage in London, Kentucky (London Mayor Randall Weddle) Storm damage in London, Kentucky (London Mayor Randall Weddle) Storm damage in London, Kentucky (London Mayor Randall Weddle) A photo of the reported tornado in Laurel County, Kentucky. (Kim Goff) Storm debris in London, Kentucky on May 17, 2025 An overturned tractor-trailer in London, Kentucky following severe weather on May 17, 2025 Downed powerlines in London, Kentucky following severe weather on May 17, 2025 Storm debris in London, Kentucky on May 17, 2025 Downed powerlines in London, Kentucky following severe weather on May 17, 2025 Damage at a gas station in the Somerset area (Michael Johnson) Damage at a gas station in the Somerset area (Michael Johnson)
Video shared to the Laurel County Fiscal Court showed widespread damage across the Sunshine Hills area. Other impacted areas include London-Corbin Airport, Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park and the Oaks of London subdivision.
South Laurel High School at 201 S. Laurel Road in London has been opened as a shelter for those affected. Volunteers are needed to work at the warming center location. The sheriff’s office said anyone who has been displaced by the storm and needs housing can call 606-521-3119 and that housing will be provided courtesy of Praxel.
A new location has been established for donations, including personal hygiene products and food. The new location is the First Baptist Church at 804 West 5th Street, the sheriff’s office said.
Wyan-Pine Grove Elementary School, located at 2330 Keavy Road in London, has been opened to those impacted by severe weather. The Community Christian Church at 723 W. 5th Street has also opened as a shelter.
The Salvation Army mobilized disaster response teams to Laurel and Pulaski counties in Kentucky and has set up a mobile kitchen unit in Somerset..
“The damage in Somerset is heartbreaking,” said Lieutenant Judah Irvin, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army in Danville. “We’ve seen homes leveled, businesses destroyed, and families trying to pick up the pieces. In the midst of this devastation, we’re here to provide food, comfort, and hope—and we’ll be here for as long as it takes.”
Those interested in donation to help with the Salvation Army’s efforts to help those impacted by the storms in Kentucky can make donations online or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769).
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office also sent a list Sunday of locations providing resources to victims. The sheriff said that if somebody finds valuable items in the debris, they should take them to the LCSO office where law enforcement officials will do everything they can to reunite them with the rightful owners.
