July 14, 2025

Severe Storms Devastate Kentucky, Claiming Lives and Causing Destruction

News Summary

A catastrophic storm system swept through Kentucky, resulting in at least 18 fatalities and widespread destruction. One of the hardest-hit areas was London, Kentucky, where emergency shelters were established for displaced residents. Power outages affected thousands in Bowling Green as recovery efforts began, with local authorities monitoring ongoing weather conditions. The storm also raised concerns about flooding and road closures, complicating recovery efforts amidst continuing threats of severe weather.

Kentucky

A severe storm system that swept through Kentucky on Friday has resulted in at least 18 fatalities within the state, with additional reports of nine deaths outside of Kentucky. The catastrophic tornado caused significant destruction, particularly in Laurel and Pulaski Counties, prompting recovery efforts and emergency responses across affected areas.

One of the hardest-hit locations was London, Kentucky, where 17 of the state’s reported deaths occurred during the storm. Among the casualties was Major Leslie Roger Leatherman of the Laurel County Fire Department, who tragically died while responding to the tornado’s impact. The destruction has left hundreds of homes damaged and numerous residents displaced, leading to the establishment of emergency shelters for those in need.

The storm not only wreaked havoc in Kentucky but also caused extensive damage in neighboring regions. In Bowling Green and surrounding areas, strong winds felled trees, caused widespread power outages, and damaged buildings and vehicles. Approximately 7,200 residents in Bowling Green experienced power disruptions, with over 100 individuals still without electricity as of Sunday morning. Warren Rural Electric Co-Op has restored power to more than 90% of the 24,300 affected residents, though about 1,400 households remained in the dark. The Co-op reported that 38 power poles were broken as a result of the storm.

In response to the aftermath, the Public Works Department in downtown Bowling Green has been actively clearing fallen trees and debris. They have disposed of eight 20-yard dumpsters full of vegetative waste from the storm. Meanwhile, the Main Clinic operated by Graves Gilbert reported significant damage impacting patient appointments, while nearby Mount Moriah Cemetery was closed due to the risk posed by downed trees affecting grave markers.

The city has requested that the public avoid cemetery areas as crews work to clear debris safely. In addition, storm damage caused a light pole to fall on a greenways trail, while other infrastructures, including a police cruiser and Fire Station 8, sustained hail damage.

Ongoing Recovery and Weather Forecast

In the wake of these devastating events, local authorities are monitoring conditions closely. The National Weather Service has raised concerns about high vacancy rates in their offices, which could impede the timely issuance of weather warnings as severe weather conditions continue.

Looking ahead, Bowling Green is expected to experience shower and storm chances over the coming week as temperatures and humidity rise. Morning lows are projected to be in the mid-70s, warming to lower 90s during the day, with heat indices possibly reaching triple digits. Residents are urged to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks to cool down as these temperatures escalate.

This weekend forecast indicates a shift towards drier weather with potential for isolated rain showers. By Wednesday, temperatures are anticipated to cool down to around mid-70s, providing a brief respite.

However, recent heavy rains have led to flooding warnings and significant property damage. Rainfall amounts have been recorded as high as 6-10 inches in certain areas over the weekend. Local authorities have also reported multiple road closures due to flooding, urging first responders to caution the public against driving through submerged roads. These conditions may further complicate recovery efforts as communities work to return to normalcy amidst ongoing weather threats.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Flood Watch Issued for Bowling Green, KY Amid Rain Forecast
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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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