At least 14 dead after tornado rips through southern Kentucky: Gov. Andy Beshear

Gov. Andy Beshear announced just after 8 a.m. Saturday, the death toll had climbed to 14, but did not say where those additional deaths were. Nine of those deaths have been confirmed in Laurel County, and another in neighboring Pulaski County.

“Lives have been changed forever here tonight. This is a time we come together, and we pray for this community,” London Mayor Randall Weddle told WKYT.

“I have never personally witnessed what I‘ve witnessed here tonight. There’s a lot of devastation.”

Laurel County Sheriff John Root says the search is continuing in the damaged area for survivors as emergency service personnel are in the damaged area assisting on the search.

In addition to the nine deaths in Laurel County, the sheriff says numerous others suffered severe injuries.

In Laurel County, the tornado hit at approximately 11:49 p.m., traveling across Keavy Road, Kentucky 1006, Old Whitley Road, and the London Corbin Airport.

The storms were part of a severe weather system Friday that caused damage in Missouri, spawned tornadoes in Wisconsin, left thousands without power in the Great Lakes region and brought a punishing heat wave to Texas.

According to Kentucky State Police, First Baptist Church at 804 W. Fifth Street in London will provide shelter to those affected by the tornado.

The sheriff’s office says 20 cots are also available at the warming station at South Laurel High School Gym. Also, personal hygiene items, diapers, blankets, and food are available.

If you are missing a loved one, KSP says you should go to Faith Assembly of God at 390 Faith Assembly Church Road to speak with a detective from the Kentucky State Police or the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office.