Team Coverage: Deadly storms tear through Kentucky

KENTUCKY (WKYT) - WKYT continues to follow the aftermath of severe weather that rocked the Commonwealth on Friday, which has left at least 19 people dead.

Among the 19 was a firefighter killed while responding to storm damage on Saturday morning and one person in Pulaski County.

The most recent of the deaths in Kentucky was a woman in Russell County, who died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning after her power was knocked out by Friday night’s storms.

RELATED:

• Severe weather leaves at least 30 dead, including 21 in storm-battered Kentucky
• Numerous homes, businesses damaged or destroyed by tornado in Pulaski County
• Kentucky firefighter dies responding to tornado damage

The other 17 deaths are in Laurel County, which suffered an EF-3 tornado west of the airport, according to a preliminary report from the National Weather Service.

Video from photographer Ben Childers shows a birds-eye view of the devastation in London as well as in the Daniel Boone National Forest:

LAUREL COUNTY

While some homes are still partially standing after a deadly EF-3 tornado rocked the county on Friday night, others are reduced to rubble.

The Sunshine Hills subdivision was one of the hardest hit areas in the state.

Among those without a home is Alicia Sexton.

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.”

As the third day of tornado relief continued in Laurel County, resources from city, statewide and national groups poured into the communities hardest hit by the deadly tornado that ripped through the region.

In front of the Walmart on KY-192, there is a mobile shower unit and a free laundry service with Tide Loads of Hope. Each household can bring two loads of laundry each day, where it will be washed, dried and folded.

Volunteers say it is one less thing they want people who have been impacted to worry about as they recover.

“They can do whatever it is they need to do, and that could be shopping, that could be dealing with insurance, we’re here to help take that burden off of them,” said Megan Westheider, disaster relief team member with Matthew 25: Ministries.

Operation BBQ Relief is set up with hot meals in front of the Walmart, as well as in front of Hart Baptist Church near the hard-hit Sunshine Hills neighborhood.

Volunteers say they are looking for tarps and bins to give to tornado survivors so they can work to pack up any belongings that can be retrieved from the rubble.

PULASKI COUNTY

Several churches in Pulaski County and other agencies are providing relief.

The Creek Church campus Pastor Nate Herren tells us the church in Somerset is stocked with necessities for victims like food, water, hygiene products, baby wipes and diapers.

Since the destruction, Herren says the church has served over 300 people in need. He says he’s seen around 200 volunteers come through their doors.

“Our overall community as a whole has really stepped up to serve one another, and that’s been a beautiful thing to watch,” Herren says.

He says he doesn’t know how long they’ll need to provide services, but expects to be up and running through the week.

Redeemer Lutheran Church has been a second home for many since the late 60s.

Now, the building that usually serves as a beacon of worship and fellowship sits torn apart.

Through all of the wreckage there, Pastor Doug Couch said something miraculous is that the cross on the front of the fellowship hall is completely untouched.

“Buildings for churches is a tool. You make it and you use it as a tool for your ministry or a home base, but the people are the church,” Couch said.

He said he hopes the cross can serve as a guiding light for people all throughout this area, that things are going to be okay.

LOOTING AND SCAMS

As cleanup continues in impacted counties, officials are warning people of two things: looting and scamming.

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office says they’re getting multiple reports of scammers pretending to be emergency service officials and asking for donations.

They’re warning the public not to give out personal information or credit card numbers to people claiming to be emergency services. They say officials will not request donations over the phone at this time.

Unfortunately, looting is something we often see during these times.

Kentucky State Police say their troopers helped rescue victims early Saturday morning and then stayed through the night to prevent looting.

London police also took to social media, saying there will be zero tolerance for looting in this critical time. They also say their officers will be on high alert, patrolling city limits.

STORM RESOURCES

If you need relief, First Baptist Church at 804 W. Fifth Street in London will provide shelter to those affected by the tornado.

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.

RELATED

• Resources available for Pulaski County tornado victims
• Here’s where Laurel County storm victims can get help

People displaced by the storm and in need of housing can call 606-521-3119.

If you are missing a loved one, KSP says you should go to Faith Assembly of God at 390 Faith Assembly Church Road to speak with a detective from the Kentucky State Police or the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office.

Those unable to travel can report missing persons to 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), selecting option 4 when prompted.

State officials say to wait until President Donald Trump has approved the state’s disaster declaration. In the meantime, you are encouraged to document any and all damage.

WKYT AND WYMT ARE PARTNERING WITH AMERICAN RED CROSS

WKYT and WYMT in Hazard are partnering with the American Red Cross for the “Rebuilding Kentucky” initiative.

We are raising money for victims and those impacted by the tornadoes.

If you are interested in donating, you can do so at this link.