Governor Steve Beshear is adding to the National Guard troops deployed to storm-ravaged Kentucky communities.
He has given the okay to send 275 troops to help with disaster relief in Johnson, Laurel, Magoffin, Menifee and Morgan counties.
The Kentucky Department of Public Health confirmed Friday night a total of 12 storm-related deaths.
The casualties included 4 deaths in Menifee County, 4 in Laurel County, 3 in Kenton County, and 1 in Morgan County.
Meanwhile more than 200 injuries have been reported.
Gov. Beshear will tour several counties hit by the severe weather Saturday morning.
He also declared a statewide emergency Friday, which would give local officials immediate access to state resources to assist in public safety and recovery efforts.
The Red Cross opened several shelters to help families displaced by the storms.
They include Elliott County High School on Main Street in Sandy Hook.
Lawrence County High School in Louisa and Grant County High School in Dry Ridge are also set up as shelters.
Families can also stay at the Laurel Fire Department in London.
