A deadly tornado ripped through Kentucky on May 16, leaving destruction in its wake, and many people in need.At least 19 are dead, and hundreds in the community have lost their homes and possessions.Sign up for our NewslettersFor those wanting to know how they can help the many lives impacted,

Animal shelters and rescue operations jumped into action following deadly weekend storms. Here’s advice from advocates on how to respond to storms.

Kentucky residents impacted by deadly tornadoes will likely have to turn to a weakened Federal Emergency Management Agency to aid recovery.

The National Weather Service has finished its survey of the deadly tornado that ripped through southeastern Kentucky last week.

Barbourville Road was down to one lane in front of Slate Hill Baptist Church just outside of London, Ky. in Laurel County Sunday, May 18, 2025 as utility workers made repairs from down lines on the road. Two days earlier, thunderstorms and a deadly tornado ripped through the Southern Kentucky community destroying many homes.

LONDON, Ky. — As a powerful tornado moved toward Laurel County late Friday, Zach Wilson drove through the storms to get to his parents.

Areas in Laurel County that were impacted by a tornado late May 16 will be evacuated during the evening hours of May 20 ahead of more severe storms are set to move into the area, state and local officials announce during a news conference.

A violent storm system that included at least one unconfirmed tornado ripped across Kentucky, destroying homes, businesses and at least one church. 18 are confirmed dead as of Saturday afternoon.

Meteorologists with the NWS Paducah office have also confirmed several tornadoes in its region the afternoon and evening of May 16. Three tornadoes impacted western Kentucky, including an EF-3 tornado in Morganfield with winds of 155 mph, an EF-2 tornado in Allegre and an EF-2 tornado in Casky.

Additionally, there was no evidence that tornado sirens in the area had been deactivated by the Trump administration's budget cuts — if there was, the people affected by the storm certainly would have noted that fact in interviews.

Beshear announced during the briefing that the death toll has remained at 19, and that he hoped that number doesn't increase.