LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- At least 19 people in Kentucky have died after a tornado and severe weather hit Kentucky May 16.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced Sunday the death toll had risen to 19 with the addition of a woman from Russell County.
Storms moved through much of Kentucky including Louisville leaving damage to homes and thousands without power.
There is a lot of information to share, so we will update this story with the latest information coming into the newsroom. Check back for updates:
TRICARE authorizes temporary prescription waivers in Kentucky
The Defense Health Agency announced that TRICARE beneficiaries in Kentucky may receive emergency prescription refills now through May 29 due to severe weather.
All counties are impacted.
To receive an emergency refill of prescription medications, TRICARE beneficiaries should take their prescription bottle to any TRICARE retail network pharmacy. If the bottle is unavailable or the label is damaged or missing, beneficiaries should contact Express Scripts, Inc., or their retail network pharmacy for assistance.
To find a network pharmacy, beneficiaries may call Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303, or search the network pharmacy locator.
Salvation Army on the ground in Laurel and Pulaski counties
Since the deadly tornado outbreak struck Kentucky on Friday, The Salvation Army Louisville has been on the ground providing critical relief in Laurel and Pulaski counties—two of the hardest-hit areas.
Their teams are:
- Serving hot meals, snacks, and beverages to survivors and first responders
- Providing emotional and spiritual care to those reeling from loss
- Distributing cleanup kits and personal hygiene supplies
Monetary donations are being accepted to support the mission.
Members from the Okolona Fire Protection District in Louisville headed to London, in Laurel County, Sunday night to help residents there after the storms.
Sgt. Matt Newman and firefighter Andrew Voll joined Louisville Fire and other members of the Jefferson County Special Operations Team.
Crews shared photos on social media showing the devastation. They returned home Monday afternoon.
BBB warns of scams following storms and tornadoes
BBB serving Greater Kentucky and South Central Indiana warns of storm-chasing scammers in the aftermath of the weekend’s devastating tornadoes and storms.
Know your rights and responsibilities as provided by the state Attorney General. Kentucky residents can contact the Kentucky Attorney General’s office at ag.ky.gov or call 502-696-5300.
For general questions or complaints related to insurance, contact your state’s Department of Insurance. Kentucky residents can visit insurance.ky.gov or call 502-564-3630.
Beware of FEMA imposters. In the past, scammers have impersonated FEMA to try to scam consumers. Remember that FEMA does not charge for inspections, and they always wear ID badges. If you are still unsure, check with FEMA first at fema.gov or call 202.646.2500.
The BBB advises consumers to be wary of any scam callers masquerading as gas and electric company employees. LG&E and KU will never call consumers and demand payment immediately over the phone in order to restore power (or prevent it from being shut off). For any concerns regarding utilities, contact your provider directly. Do not give your financial information over the phone to any unsolicited caller.
Storm debris drop-off locations for Louisville
Louisville Public Works released information about where city residents can drop-off storm debris:
May 21–23
2-7 p.m.
Drop-Off Locations:
- Across from the Solid Waste Office — 535 Meriwether Ave.
- Hubbards Ln Recycling Location — 595 Hubbards Lane
- Public Works Yard — 10500 Lower River Road (Enter from Bethany Lane)
Important Information:
- Only tree debris will be accepted.
- Residents only — no commercial drop-offs.
- Please be prepared to provide your name and address.
- Schedule and details are subject to change based on weather conditions.
Operation BBQ Relief and Tide's Loads of Hope arrives to help
Following the devastating storms in London and Somerset, Kentucky, Walmart and Sam’s Club have been working with nonprofit organizations to provide essential resources, including charging stations and wi-fi services for those areas. And at the Walmart Supercenter (Store #1113) in London, Walmart is offering free hot meals through the support of Operation BBQ Relief. Additionally, Tides Loads of Hope laundry service and showers provided by Matthew 25: Ministries, Procter & Gamble and Walmart.
Kentucky setting up emergency housing after deadly storms
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said the state is securing emergency housing options and also looking into sites for intermediate housing.
"Survey teams will be on the ground tomorrow to collect all information needed for Kentucky to apply for federal assistance," Beshear said. "Debris removal plans are also moving forward."
Nelson County Sheriff's Office collecting donations for tornado victims
Nelson County Sheriff's Office is collecting items for victims of deadly tornadoes in eastern Kentucky.
Nelson County Sheriff's Office will be filling up two box trailers that will be delivered to Laurel County. Items that are being collected include paper towels, tarps, totes, diapers, baby formula, clothes, shoes, hygiene products, water, non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, medical supplies, batteries, flash flights, gas cans and extension cords.
The sheriff's office will start collecting the items Monday morning at 210 Plaza Drive in Bardstown.
Gov. Andy Beshear said 17 people were killed in Laurel County and one person died in Pulaski County. There are also 10 people from Laurel County who sustained critical injuries.
The National Weather Service confirmed a preliminary EF2, possibly low end EF3 tornado hit near the Russell County and Pulaski County border.
NWS confirms EF2 or EF3 tornado hit Russell, Pulaski counties
The National Weather Service confirmed a preliminary EF2, possibly low end EF3 tornado hit near the Russell County and Pulaski County border.
NWS teams will be surveying in Laurel County Sunday and Monday to determine the strength of storms that hit that area.
Thousands without power in Jefferson County
Thousands of people remain without power Sunday afternoon following the storms Friday night.
While more than 21,000 LG&E/KU customers were without power in Jefferson County as of 10:38 p.m. Friday, that number has dropped to 5,701 customers as of 1:27 p.m. Sunday. The outages are spread around Jefferson County.
Kentucky State Police shares aerial footage of London storm damage
Kentucky State Police shared aerial footage of storm damage that hit London, Kentucky.
To watch, click below:
At least 18 people have died from storms that hit eastern Kentucky May 16. (Video courtesy of Kentucky State Police)
Kentucky sets up donation fund for victims
Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund will contact families of those who died to cover funeral expenses. To donate, click here.
The donations are tax-deductible and donors will receive a tax purposes after donating.
To mail a donation, make checks out to the Kentucky State Treasurer. In the memo line, note the donation is for "Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund." Checks can be sent to Public Protection Cabinet, 500 Mero Street, 218 NC, Frankfort, KY 40601.
Save the Children providing supplies to victims
Save the Children is providing supplies to help children impacted by the storm. According to a news release, the nonprofit is focused on getting supplies to children in Laurel and Pulaski counties. Items include hygiene kits, diapers and wipes.
"Many children have been ripped from the lives they once knew, unsure of what the future may hold. It’s critical we get them essential supplies and support to be safe and healthy – and back to their everyday, comforting routines,” Greta Wetzel, Save the Children’s Senior Psychosocial Support Advisor for U.S. emergencies, said in a news release. “Save the Children has been working in Kentucky for over 90 years and is prepared to meet kids’ immediate and long-term recovery needs in the wake of the tornado, including helping them return to learning and getting mental health supports to cope and heal.”
To donate, click here.
Walmart partners with Operation BBQ Relief for free meals
Walmart, Sam's Club and the Walmart Foundation are committing $750,000 to tornado relief efforts in Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky.
Walmart partnered with Operation BBQ Relief to provide free meals to people impacted by the storms in London.
Lunch and dinner was served in Walmart's parking lot in London Sunday. In London there will also be Tides Loads of Hope laundry service and showers provided by Matthew 25: Ministries, Proctor and Gamble and Walmart.
The Lord's Kitchen/Operation Blessing provide meals in London
The Lord's Kitchen is teaming up with Operation Blessing to provide tornado relief supplies and meals . Supplies will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis beginning on Monday, May 19 at 5 p.m. at the London/Corbin Airport, 566 Hal Rogers Dr., London. Lunch will be served at 11 a.m. on Tues., May 20.
London Walmart offers showers, laundry facility
Help isn't just coming from neighbors in Laurel County. The Walmart in London there has opened a shower and a laundry trailer for those affected by the severe weather.
The trailers will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are located on the grocery side of the store.
Walmart said it will provide towels, soap and shampoo for showers. Families can get two loads of laundry done per day.
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