A little more than three days after a now-confirmed EF-4 grade twister tore through London, killing several people and leaving many more with destroyed homes, Gov. Andy Beshear returned to the area to offer an update on ongoing recovery efforts, warn citizens about the likelihood of more severe weather, and share details of when those impacted can expect to receive much-needed federal aid.
“I promise that we will be there for our people until every home and every life is rebuilt,” Beshear said during his late-Tuesday morning press conference at the National Guard Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) in London. “I want to thank all our heroic first responders for the work they’ve done over the past few days. This is another incredibly tough time for Kentucky. It’s another reminder that life is short and it’s our duty to be kind and do good. As always, we will get through this together.”
Beshear was joined at the press briefing by Director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management Eric Gibson, Laurel County Judge Executive David Westerfield, London Mayor Randall Weddle, Laurel County Sheriff John Root and American Red Cross Bluegrass Chapter Executive Director Lynne Washbish, along with other local, state and federal officials or their representatives.
Beshear said that, as of 9 a.m. Tuesday, there were 19 confirmed deaths connected to the severe weather. The fatalities include 17 people in Laurel County, one in Pulaski County and one in Russell County. There were eight injured people still at the University of Kentucky Hospital at that time – two in critical condition, two in serious condition and four in good condition.
The 19 victims have been identified as Pamela Mason, 67; Sherri Smith, 68; Lisa Fortney, 50; Darlene Miller, 67; Kenneth Elliott, 63; Debra Edelman, 93; Richard (73) and Wanda (65) McFall; Marshall Miracle, 25; Major Leslie Leatherman, 58; Ray Cowan, 88; June Fisher, 74; Nancy Clem, 69; Tiffany Heim, 48; Melodie Godby, 69; Bobby (76) and Bernice (73) Tillman; and Garry (71) and Linda (72) Sweet.
Whitley and Laurel County Emergency Management Director Jerry Rains said that, according to Property Valuation Administration data, upwards of 1,530 homes have been damaged in Laurel County alone.
Rains said it is still too early to estimate how much the damage equates to monetarily.
Beshear reminded Kentuckians, and anyone else who would like to help, that the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund is there to support survivors, including paying for funeral expenses for those lost in the disaster. To donate, go online to secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/stormrelief.
Beshear also updated Kentuckians on upcoming severe weather, as more storms were being forecasted for Tuesday afternoon beginning around 2 p.m. in the west and reaching the eastern part of the commonwealth between 8 and 11 p.m. The main concerns were the risk of strong winds, hail and tornadoes, especially in the far west. With debris still on the ground, it was feared that the incoming storms and high winds could create a dangerous mix of rain and flying debris.
Beshear encouraged Kentuckians to be cautious and to consider not traveling during this time, especially in already damaged areas. He also announced a NOAA Weather Radio outage for the National Weather Service in Louisville. Those who rely on the Louisville radio for their NOAA weather warnings were advised to find an alternative alert system.
Beshear reported that he had consulted with local leaders in London, and they all agreed that the hardest hit neighborhoods in London would need to be evacuated ahead of the latest round of storms. It is not safe to be near the debris with the high winds, so the evacuation and sheltering of these neighborhoods got underway at 6 p.m. and continued until approximately 11 p.m.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, located at 203 S. Broad St. in London, offered shelter to people during the storms. A second shelter was opened at West London Baptist Church, located on Parker Road in London.
As of Tuesday, there were 20 people affected by the May 16-17 weather event in congregate shelter, with 16 being at Airbnbs and 65 in hotels. Team Kentucky is working to get travel trailers set up at Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is also sheltering 12 people occupying four rooms.
Kentucky Emergency Management teams are continuing efforts to survey and document damage. Beshear encouraged survivors to document damage as well, as this documentation is how the Commonwealth makes the best case for federal assistance.
Beshear said the Commonwealth has submitted a request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) asking for both individual and public assistance. This is an initial request, and more counties will likely be added as damage assessments continue to come in.
At the time of the governor’s briefing, about 4,628 customers were without power, down from a previous high of 172,711. Approximately 60 customers were said to be without water, and 2,108 customers were under a boil water advisory.
Kentucky State Police troopers and National Guard members have been providing 24-hour security patrols in storm-impacted areas in order to prevent looting. Only residents and authorized personnel are to be permitted in these areas, and at this time KSP Post 11 has no reports of missing persons. If someone needs to report a missing person or request a wellness check, they should contact their local KSP post.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has reported that more than 200 transportation crew members from Laurel, Pulaski and surrounding counties have been working to clean up last weekend’s damage. This includes untangling power lines and resetting poles, removing debris and blocking and detouring roads so power crews can restore service. Citizens have been advised to not travel in damaged areas unless it is absolutely necessary. Visit goky.ky.gov before traveling to make sure your route is not affected by road closures.
Ahead of the storm, the Beshear declared a state of emergency. He also signed an executive order that allows pharmacists to dispense emergency 30-day refills for any non-controlled medication, and he implemented the state’s price gouging laws in order to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storms. Consumers should report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.
Those who have immediate needs that are not life-threatening are being asked to complete the Rapid Needs Assessment Form online or call (502) 607-6665. These needs include inconsistent or no power, individuals with medical needs or disabilities, no food or unable to cook, no or very little drinking water, unable to leave house due to weather and lack of transportation, phone issues, unable to leave vehicle, and/or checking on a loved one.
Aerial photography by TIMOTHY WYATT
