ClayCoNews staff report:
LONDON, KY (May 27, 2025, 9:23 AM EDT) – Eleven days after an EF-4 tornado ravaged London, KY, on May 16, 2025, the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police (KSP), and National Guard maintain vigilant patrols to curb looting in devastated neighborhoods, while FEMA’s newly arrived teams offer hope for survivors.
The tornado, which killed 19 people across Laurel, Pulaski, and Russell Counties, left thousands homeless and communities like Sunshine Hills and Findley Trailer Park in ruins. As residents face new storm threats and delayed recovery, the intensified patrols and FEMA’s presence signal a determined push to protect and rebuild.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the tornado’s EF-4 rating with winds up to 200 mph, flattening homes, obliterating the London-Corbin Airport, and damaging businesses along U.S. 27 in Somerset. Governor Andy Beshear reported 17 deaths in Laurel County, one in Pulaski, and one in Russell, with victims including firefighter Roger Leslie Leatherman and horticulturalist Tiffany Heim. London Mayor Randall Weddle cited up to 23 deaths, pending verification by the Department for Public Health. Over a dozen remain in critical condition, and 25,000 statewide lack power, per utility reports, complicating recovery efforts.
Looting remains a persistent issue, particularly in Sunshine Hills, where the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, KSP, and 70 National Guardsmen conduct round-the-clock patrols. “If you try to loot, we will arrest you. That is the lowest of low crimes,” Sheriff John Root declared, emphasizing survivor protection. Residents are urged to report suspicious activity to (606) 864-6600.
FEMA’s arrival, announced by the Sheriff’s Office, marks a turning point after earlier delays in federal aid. “FEMA is in the area to provide assistance,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in videos posted on their official Facebook page. Affected individuals can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone at 800-621-3362, or via the FEMA App, with assistance available for housing, repairs, and losses. The lack of a formal federal disaster declaration as of May 22 had frustrated survivors, but FEMA’s presence offers relief, though state programs remain critical. SBA loans are available at sba.gov/disaster or 800-659-2955.
New storm risks add urgency. On May 22, Beshear ordered mandatory evacuations in Laurel County ahead of severe weather, with high winds threatening to turn debris into projectiles. The NWS issued a tornado watch for London and Somerset until May 20, and forecasters warn of ongoing storm risks through May 27, affecting 31 million from Texas to Missouri. “We’re pausing debris pickup to prioritize safety,” Beshear said, urging residents to seek shelter.
Recovery efforts continue despite challenges. Volunteers, first responders, and high school students clear debris, with heavy equipment aiding in Pulaski County. South Laurel High School’s donation center is full, redirecting supplies to First Baptist Church (804 W. Fifth Street, London), Hart Baptist Church, Victory Life Church, and other shelters. The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office offers a housing hotline at (606) 521-3119, and WD Bryant Ace provides free ice, water, and charging stations. Faith Assembly of God (390 Faith Assembly Church Road, London) assists with missing persons; call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), option 4, if unable to travel. Emotional support is at 800-985-7890. The Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund supports funeral costs, and groups like Matthew 25: Ministries collect funds.
London’s spirit endures, with patrols and FEMA’s aid bolstering recovery. Support ClayCoNews’s local coverage at https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=rl4jcSIuNaN7PjZt9aq7tpNsAg_tRqL91rmaaYJW31tmbtCZLt0By8Zio0k8Ou1LtDYJtSIHkcaKZyeL
