Local Groups Offer Help after Lethal Tornado Claims 19 KY Lives

It is painful and heartbreaking to provide an update on severe weather that hit South Central Kentucky particularly hard with a tornado touching down in Laurel County. 

The Governor said that, as of 1 p.m. EDT Saturday, there were 18 confirmed deaths connected to the severe weather. The fatalities include 17 people in Laurel County and one in Pulaski County. 

It is moments like these that neighbors help neighbors without concern for culture wars or politics. Several local groups are organizing ways to help. 
The Jackson County Fiscal Court is organizing a donation drop off for items needed in Laurel County. The City of McKee would like to assist them in this by serving as a secondary location to drop items off. 

Items will be accepted through the week and the Fiscal Court will schedule a drop off in London over the weekend. You may drop off items at the Jackson County Courthouse or here at City Hall. Examples of items needed: Tarps, Diapers, Water, Formula, Non-perishable items, Hygiene Products, Blankets, Clothing, Undergarments, Socks, Shoes, Cleaning Supplies & Gloves, and Totes 

If you have any questions, contact the Jackson County Judge's Office at 606-287-8562 

Pond Creek Fire & Rescue posted on their social media: "We will be accepting donations to help with relief efforts for our neighboring Laurel County. Our goal is to receive donations starting today through next week and delivering to East Bernstadt Fire Department, they will then disperse items where they're needed most. We are asking for the following items: 
Diapers of all sizes, baby wipes, formula, baby bottles and pacifiers of all kinds, feminine hygiene products, personal hygiene products, new or gently used blankets, pillows, socks, non-perishable food items, water, batteries, cleaning supplies, and plastic totes. NO clothing donations are needed at this time. Feel free to message the page, and someone will meet you at the Firehouse to receive donations. We greatly appreciate any assistance!" 

Sand Gap Fire Department posted on their social media: "Donations Needed for Southeastern KY - Requested items include (but are not limited to): Baby formula & diapers, Batteries & flashlights, Bottled water, Cleaning supplies, Hygiene products, Medical supplies, Nonperishable food, Paper plates & paper products, Plastic utensils, Tarps, Baby wipes & disinfectant wipes, and Trash bags. Contact Shelby Bryant- 859-333-9951, Zachary Bryant- 606-308-9102, Lonnie Madden- 606-493-5490, or any other Firefighter at Sand Gap Fire Department. 
"We've had more than our fair share of natural disasters in Kentucky in recent years," said Gov. Beshear. "And while we can't know why Kentucky keeps getting hit and it feels tough for our people to be facing this level of pain and destruction - one thing we know here in the commonwealth is how to come together, live our faith and values and help our neighbors in their time of need." 

First responders from Kentucky Emergency Management, the Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky State Police (KSP), the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet have been on site since early Saturday morning. 

Saturday afternoon, first responders were focused on search and rescue efforts. Anyone missing a loved one who is able to travel should go to Faith Assembly of God at 390 Faith Assembly Church Road in London and speak with the Kentucky State Police and Laurel County Sheriff's Office. Those unable to travel can report missing persons to 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), selecting option 4 when prompted. 

The Governor was joined at Saturday afternoon's briefing by Director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management Eric Gibson, KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr., Senate President Robert Stivers, State Rep. Shane Baker and Laurel County Sheriff John Root, along with other local, state and federal officials and their representatives. 
Ahead of the storm, the Governor declared a state of emergency. Earlier, Gov. Beshear spoke with federal Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Office of the Governor has been in communication with the White House. 
In the wake of the severe weather overnight, 7 counties and 1 city have declared states of emergency. 

Kentucky National Guard: Nearly 70 soldiers and airmen are assisting in Laurel and Pulaski. Guardsmen are assisting Kentucky State Police with roving and stationary patrols in Laurel County to enhance public safety. UH-60 Blackhawk crews conducted aerial surveys of Laurel and Pulaski counties to review damage and assess the area. 

Kentucky State Police: KSP telecommunicators have answered more than 4,000 calls for service since this morning. KSP troopers and officers are on the ground in Laurel County to assist the Laurel County Sheriff's Office and the National Guard. 

Kentucky State Parks: Cumberland Falls and Lake Cumberland state resort parks have been activated to shelter those impacted by the severe weather. 

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: State highway crews across the state went on call before the storm and responded overnight to downed trees, hail and tornado damage to clear roadways for emergency responders and rescue efforts. Chainsaw and backhoe crews continue to work alongside firefighters and police, clearing debris and assisting utility crews as they untangle lines and reset poles. Signal crews are working to restore traffic lights - drivers should treat dark signals as four-way stops. 

Power Outages: At the time of the Governor's briefing, about 69,218 customers were reportedly without power, down from a high of 172,711. This number is constantly changing. 

 Jackson Energy provided the following statement: 
"In the late-night hours on May 16, 2025, severe thunderstorms accompanied by high winds and tornadoes rolled across Kentucky causing extensive damage along its path. The deadly EF3 tornado devasted London-Laurel County with Jackson Energy's infrastructure taking a direct hit. A complete rebuild was necessary along a 6-mile stretch where poles and wires were completely destroyed. The extreme weather system left behind more than 13,000 Jackson Energy members without power. All Jackson Energy districts experienced disruption, with Laurel and Estill counties sustaining the most extensive damage. Jackson Energy is so grateful to our membership for their continued encouragement and support. We were formed to bring power to the last mile and when storms, like the one this past weekend, interrupt our ability to do so, we are committed to doing whatever is needed to expedite power restoration. 
More than 200 field personnel worked long hours in rough terrain and unimaginable 
circumstances to restore power, including mutual aid crews from multiple electric cooperatives from across Kentucky, contractor crews, and several right-of-way crews, including: Fleming-Mason Energy, North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (EMC), Habersham EMC of Georgia, Davis H. Elliot Company, PraXel Line Services, Kendall Vegetation Services, and Phillips Tree Experts. 
These crews were focused on the mission at-hand and worked earnestly to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. More than 375 individual outage locations were restored, 
approximately 500 spans of wire repaired, and over 100 broken poles were replaced. In addition, numerous reports of wires down and trees on the lines - that were not related to Jackson Energy were inspected and verified. 
"At Jackson Energy, the safety of our members and employees is our number one priority. We appreciate the efforts of all our crews as they worked safely, yet diligently, to restore 
service to our members," said Carol Wright, President & CEO. 
If you are experiencing a new power outage, members are encouraged to call the automated phone system at 800-262-7480 or report the outage through the SmartHub app." 

Water Outages: Approximately 185 customers are without water, and 9,500 customers are under a boil water advisory. 

When to Call 911: If you have an emergency or life-threatening situation, dial 911 for immediate available assistance. 

Rapid Needs Assessment: 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: power is out or inconsistent; 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. 

Emergency Prescription Refills: Gov. Beshear signed an executive order allowing Kentucky pharmacists to dispense emergency 30-day refills for any non-controlled medication. 
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians and anyone else who would like to help that the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund is there to help survivors, including paying for funeral expenses for those lost in the disaster.