The governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, said Sunday that the 19 deaths in the state were attributed to a single tornado that landed on Friday and damaged hundreds of houses in the southeast of Laurel County.
Preliminary storm surveys by the National Meteorological Service confirmed significant damage in the tornado in multiple counties in the state, including EF3 damage in laurel county.
One of the victims was the largest Leslie Roger Leatherman of the Fire Department of Laurel County, who died while responding to the tornado.
“The greatest Leatherman was a public servant dedicated for 39 years, responding to the call to protect and help others at his most critical moment of necessity. His courage, commitment and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the department said.
Officials in Missouri reported seven deaths related to the weather since Friday: five in St. Louis and two in Scott County. More than 5,000 houses and buildings were damaged after two confirmed tornadoes were beaten through St. Louis on Friday, Mayor Cara Spencer.
The Office of the National Meteorological Service of St. Louis said that one of those tornadoes was an EF3 with winds of up to 152 mph that tracked for northern St. Louis.
Two people also died in Virginia due to fallen trees in storms.
On Tuesday, 26 million people run the risk of severe storms from Louisiana to Indiana, including London, Kentucky, who is still recovering from previous storms.
