Cleanup begins as Kentuckians left with nothing after EF4 tornado move into temporary housing

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Cleanup of the destruction left behind after last week's tornadoes is just beginning as dozens of Kentuckians left with nothing move into temporary housing.

Gov. Andy Beshear gave an update on storm recovery Thursday and said the state's death toll from the May 16 storms remains at 19, with three in critical condition, one in serious condition and four in good condition. Seventeen of those deaths were in Laurel County. One was in Pulaski County, and another was in Russell County.

"To those that were apart of this most recent natural disaster, our promise is the same we've made to each other and every family hurt by one of these in the past," Beshear said. "We will keep showing up over and over. We will walk this road of recovery together."

The governor said he's spoken to President Donald Trump and Federal Emergency Management Agency directors to push for the government to approve more federal disaster assistance for the state. It would be the third approval for the state for the year.

Beshear also reminded residents about the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund, set up to support survivors, help cover funeral expenses and more. To donate, click here. The fund has raised more than $1.3 million so far from nearly 6,000 donors.

The EF4 tornado with 170 mph winds killed 19 people and leveled neighborhoods across three Kentucky counties Friday night. The NWS office in Jackson, Kentucky, confirmed through a multi-day survey the tornado was 1,700 yards wide at its peak — nearly 1 mile — and was on the ground for more than 55 miles from Somerset to London.

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