Laurel County neighborhoods begin rebuilding after surviving storms
LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - While some homes are still partially standing after a deadly EF-3 tornado rocked the county on Friday night, others are reduced to rubble.
Among those without a home is Alicia Sexton, who lives in the Sunshine Hills Subdivision in Laurel County.
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The subdivision was one of the hardest hit areas in the state.
She tells WKYT that her in-laws were watching Friday night’s storm coverage when Chris Bailey told viewers to take cover. The family then went to their basement and waited in the corner while the storm passed.
When they came out, nothing was left.
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The sheriff’s office says 20 cots are also available at the warming station at South Laurel High School gym. Also, personal hygiene items, diapers, blankets, and food are available.
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Despite the loss, Sexton is finding hope in what has been found and the help that has come in once the weather cleared.
“Yesterday, we were blessed by so many strangers and our friends and family that moved an entire house pile,” Sexton said. “We found a lot of family heirlooms, we found the family generational Bible that each generation writes in and takes notes.”
While Sexton took shelter in her basement, others in the area went to a nearby church that was also destroyed, but had enough of a basement left for those inside to ride out the storm.
Some possessions were carried far away and found, but many say the biggest blessing of all is that they’re still alive.
“The Lord had his hand just right over us, just laid gently on us,” said Edwina Wilson.
The Wilsons say moments after hearing the warning on TV they cornered in a hallway and believe the quick action saved their lives.
“Roof lifted off and walls fell down on top of us. Probably what saved us,” she said.
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