Laurel Co tornado damage

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The death toll from Kentucky’s severe weather event in mid-May has risen to 20, according to Governor Andy Beshear.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Beshear shared the somber update Wednesday, writing: “Kentucky, I’ve got some sad news to share. The death toll from the May 16–17 severe weather event has now risen to 20 with the passing of a man from McCracken County. Please join Britainy and me in praying for his family and all those affected.”

The deadly storm system swept across the Commonwealth on May 16 and 17, bringing tornadoes, damaging winds, hail, and flooding to multiple counties.

17 of those killed were in Laurel County. One person was killed in Pulaski County, and another died in Russell County.

State officials

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