May 18, 2025

Severe Storms Cause Devastation in Southern Kentucky

News Summary

Severe storms and tornadoes swept through Southern Kentucky, resulting in at least 18 fatalities and numerous injuries. With extensive destruction in several counties and significant damage reported, emergency services are working diligently to assist residents. Many remain in critical condition as cleanup and recovery efforts begin. The storms originated from a severe weather system that left communities in turmoil, with local leaders urging unity and resilience as recovery operations continue.

London, Kentucky – Severe storms and tornadoes that swept through Southern Kentucky on May 17, 2025, have resulted in at least 18 fatalities and left numerous individuals injured. Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that many residents remain in critical condition following the brutal weather system, which hit around 6 PM Friday and continued into the early hours of Saturday.

The storms, characterized by baseball-sized hail and extreme winds, caused widespread destruction across several counties, particularly in Laurel, Pulaski, and Clay. Emergency services reported extensive damage, including power outages, structural collapse of homes and businesses, and an overwhelming need for rescues as people were trapped in their residences.

Among those lost was Major Roger Leslie Leatherman of the Laurel County Fire Department, who was responding to the emergency when he died. Additional fatalities included nine individuals in Laurel County and a woman in her 60s in Pulaski County. As rescues were conducted, emergency teams went door-to-door, and temporary shelters were established at South Laurel High School to accommodate displaced residents and first responders.

The storms originated from a severe weather system in southeastern Missouri that moved into Kentucky before exiting towards southwestern Virginia. Lasting approximately six hours, the severe weather left a landscape many described as a “war zone.” In the town of London, significant damage occurred, especially in the Sunshine Hills subdivision where whole blocks were destroyed. The mayor of London noted that the devastation reflected the aftermath of an explosion.

Governor Beshear underscored the urgent situation facing the affected areas, as crews and volunteers began cleanup and recovery efforts almost immediately after the storms. Damage assessments revealed devastated buildings and local businesses, including Baxter’s Coffee and Redeemer Lutheran Church, leaving many community members without places to gather and work.

In the wake of the storms, emergency shelters have been set up to provide immediate assistance to those displaced. Local authorities are working diligently to assess the damages and prioritize recovery efforts. On the same note, FEMA has issued guidelines on how residents can document storm damage to seek potential financial assistance.

This calamity is not isolated, as Kentucky has recently faced an alarming trend of weather-related disasters, reporting a total of at least 43 deaths since February 2025. Residents have been urged to remain cautious as the state continues to recover from this devastating event.

Many survivors of the storm have expressed disbelief at the magnitude of destruction witnessed in their communities. As rescue and assessment operations continue, there is a significant focus on finding loved ones and providing immediate relief to those affected. The situation remains fluid as emergency crews from Central and Eastern Kentucky lend support throughout the devastated regions.

As recovery efforts are underway, local leaders emphasize the need for unity and resilience in facing the aftermath of the storms. Further updates on recovery operations and community support initiatives are expected as conditions improve and efforts continue to restore normalcy to the affected areas.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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