Beshear visits tornado-ravaged Laurel County, confirms 18 dead across Kentucky
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City of London, Ky.
This aerial photo provided by London, KY Mayor Randall Weddle shows damage from severe weather in London, Ky., on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (City of London, Ky. via AP)
This aerial photo provided by London, KY Mayor Randall Weddle shows damage from severe weather in London, Ky., on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (City of London, Ky. via AP)
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City of London, Ky.
This aerial photo provided by London, KY Mayor Randall Weddle shows damage from severe weather in London, Ky., on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (City of London, Ky. via AP)
This aerial photo provided by London, KY Mayor Randall Weddle shows damage from severe weather in London, Ky., on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (City of London, Ky. via AP)
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City of London, Ky.
This aerial photo provided by London, KY Mayor Randall Weddle shows damage from severe weather in London, Ky., on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (City of London, Ky. via AP)
This aerial photo provided by London, KY Mayor Randall Weddle shows damage from severe weather in London, Ky., on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (City of London, Ky. via AP)
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rivera
Rivera hands out PDJF bracelets before the race on Saturday.
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London-Corbin Airport damage 4
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London-Corbin Airport damage 3
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London-Corbin Airport damage 2
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London-Corbin Airport damage 1
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LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Governor Andy Beshear delivered an emotional update from Laurel County Saturday evening, as Kentucky continues to recover from deadly storms that tore through the state Friday night.
Beshear confirmed that 18 people have died—17 in Laurel County and one in Pulaski County. He warned that the death toll could rise as search and rescue crews continue combing through the debris.
The governor said the state is requesting federal disaster aid and has deployed 70 members of the Kentucky National Guard, including Blackhawk helicopters, to assist in the response.
Beshear also announced the activation of price gouging laws and emergency prescription assistance to support storm victims.
“The Commonwealth has faced tragedy before,” Beshear said, adding that Kentuckians have carried “a tremendous weight” in recent natural disasters. “We will get through this together.”
Road crews are still working to clear debris and restore power across several counties. Emergency shelters remain open, and volunteers are helping those impacted by the storms.
