FEMA assistance now available in 6 Kentucky counties hit by severe weather, tornadoes

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- President Donald Trump has approved Kentucky's request for a major disaster declaration after last week's severe weather and tornadoes.

The approval makes individual federal disaster assistance from FEMA available to Kentuckians in six counties impacted by the May 16-17 storms.

Those counties include: Caldwell, Laurel, Pulaski, Russell, Trigg and Union. Families in those areas can now start applying for FEMA assistance.

Assistance includes grants that can be used for temporary housing and home repairs, or low-interest loans that can help cover uninsured property losses. Other programs are also available to help residents and business owners recover.

IMAGES | Storm damage leaves trail of destruction in London, Kentucky

In a post on X, Gov. Andy Beshear said the president had approved his initial request for individual assistance for those six counties hit by severe weather and tornadoes. Nineteen people died and several others were hospitalized.

Those in need can start applying for help. First, they can register online by clicking here or by calling 1-800-621-3362. The FEMA app, which can be downloaded here, can also be used to register.

When applying for assistance, residents are asked to make sure their documents are uploaded online through the FEMA app or on the disaster assistance website; their damaged home is their primary residence; they haven't received help for the same losses from another source, including insurance; they are able to be reached by FEMA at the contact information provided in the application.

FEMA decisions can be appealed on the disaster recovery website or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center. They can also be sent by mail or by fax.

FEMA has opened centers in Bullitt, Oldham, Grayson, McLean and Jefferson counties. Thursday, May 22, a second center was opened in Jefferson County.

At these locations, FEMA representatives can explain available assistance programs, how to apply to FEMA and help connect survivors with resources.

Kentuckians affected by the April storms have a deadline of June 25 to apply for federal disaster assistance.

No appointment is needed to visit the centers. You can also apply for assistance online or call 800-621-3362.

Locations:

Bullitt County:
- Bullitt County Emergency Services, 238 Saltwell Road, Shepherdsville, KY 40165
- Working hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST, Monday through Saturday and 1-7 p.m., Sunday.
Grayson County:
- Fiscal Courthouse, 125 E. White Oak St., Leitchfield, KY 42754
- Working hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST, Monday through Saturday and 1-7 p.m., Sunday.
Jefferson County:
- Council Chambers, 10416 Watterson Trail, Jeffersontown, KY 40299
- Working hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST, Monday through Saturday and 1-7 p.m., Sunday.
- Anchorage Middletown Fire Station 10, 8905 U.S. 42, Prospect, KY 40059
- Working hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT Monday through Saturday and 1-7 p.m. EDT Sunday
McLean County:
- Calhoun Baptist Church, 315 Main St, Calhoun, KY 42327
- Working hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST, Monday through Saturday and 1-7 p.m., Sunday
Oldham County:
- Goshen OC Public Library, 3000 Paramount Commons, Prospect, KY 40059
  - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday

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.

Beshear said Thursday the state's death toll from the May 16-17 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.

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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