One of the biggest concerns that we have is that you’re in this debris in high winds and it becomes a projectile, and it injures or kills somebody.”

An apparent powerful tornado tore through Russell, Pulaski and Laurel County in Kentucky late Friday night, leaving a trail of destruction and killing several.

In London, Ky., the scope of the destruction from a tornado that killed 19 in the state was coming into view as residents tried to process the disaster.

Family members cull through the debris of their home destroyed by a severe storm in London, Ky., Saturday, May 17, 2025. The airport does not have power, a command post is set up there for people in the area to get much-needed supplies and support.

Rescue crews raced to search houses in a Laurel County subdivision, a few hours after brutal storms and an unconfirmed tornado devastated parts of the county.

Members of a trailer park in London, Kentucky, were severely affected by storms last Friday. Residents of the trailer park returned to find their community destroyed. Many said they weren't prepared for what they saw, with holes in their homes and some being picked up and thrown yards away.

London Mayor Randall Weddle shared photos of damage caused by heavy winds that blew the roof off a building at Short Street and Main Street on Friday.