Nearly 20 people died in at least one tornado that wound through Russell, Pulaski and Laurel counties on Friday evening.
Gov. Andy Beshear on Sunday afternoon announced on social media that 19 people died in the storms. He added that there are 10 Kentuckians at the University of Kentucky Medical Center being treated for injuries from the severe weather.
Three of those victims are in critical condition, four are in fair condition and three are in good condition, the governor said.
Laurel Co. Fiscal Court said in a social media post that 17 of the victims were from Laurel County.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Louisville on Sunday confirmed an EF-3 twister packing wind speeds up to 140 miles per hour was on the ground for at least 50 miles, traveling from Russell to Pulaski County.
NWS storm surveyors are on the ground on Sunday as they continue to track the tornado as it entered Laurel County.
UPDATE: The death toll from Friday’s storms has risen to at least 21, as London Mayor Randall Weddle announced a total of 20 people have died in Laurel County. A carbon monoxide death in Russell County may also be blamed on severe weather.
(Photo: A path of destroyed homes in London after a probable tornado passed through the area, courtesy of the Associated Press)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
