Mandatory evacuation issued for parts of Laurel County ahead of more storms

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Governor Andy Beshear, along with county and city officials, has issued a mandatory evacuation order for two of the areas hardest hit by the May 16 tornado in Laurel County.

The order applies to residents of the Sunshine Hill Subdivision and lanes off of Court Road, and will be in effect Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., although, the time could be extended by the sheriff’s office, if necessary.

Officials say the evacuation is a precaution ahead of another round of severe weather forecast for Tuesday evening. With debris still scattered throughout the area, there is concern that high winds could turn loose objects into dangerous projectiles.

Governor Beshear said the safety of residents is the top priority as the community continues recovery efforts. Residents in the affected areas are urged to make arrangements to leave their homes before the evacuation window begins.

Further updates will be provided by local emergency management agencies.