At Least 16 Dead After Tornado-Spawning Storms Rip Through Central U.S.
A violent weather system swept through the central United States late Friday, May 16, 2025, spawning destructive tornadoes that left at least 16 people dead, with Kentucky and Missouri reporting the most severe impacts. Among the worst-hit areas were Somerset, KY, and London, KY, where entire neighborhoods were reduced to rubble.
Aftermath of the deadly tornado that hit London, Kentucky, on May 16, 2025. (Laurel County Fiscal Court, KY)
Somerset, Kentucky Tornado Leaves Destruction in Its Wake
Somerset, KY, located in Pulaski County, experienced heavy damage as a possible tornado struck the southern side of the city. Emergency officials confirmed widespread devastation, downed power lines, and collapsed structures.
The Somerset Fire Department warned residents to stay indoors late Friday night:
“The southern side of the city has been hit by a possible tornado! Please avoid the area, poles and power lines are down!”
Pulaski County Judge Executive Marshall Todd declared a state of emergency, as cleanup crews and first responders continued to search through debris. The Somerset Kentucky tornado has left residents stunned as they begin to assess the full extent of the damage.
Stunned by the devastation… [Credit: AP Photo/Jeff Roberson]
Also Read: Deadly Storm Tears Through St. Louis as Midwest Braces for More Destruction (an earlier update)
London, KY Tornado Kills Nine in Laurel County
In London, KY, the situation was even more dire. Nine people were confirmed dead in Laurel County, Kentucky, after a powerful storm, believed to be a tornado, tore through the area just before midnight. The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office described the scene as catastrophic.
“Destroyed homes and buildings are still being searched by emergency responders. Multiple serious injuries also have been reported,” stated the Laurel County Fiscal Court.
The London KY tornado passed through neighborhoods and even the London-Corbin Airport, leaving debris scattered for miles. Video footage captured by local news outlets like WKYT showed entire houses leveled, vehicles overturned, and stunned residents surveying what remained of their homes.
Residents Describe the Chaos as Tornado Hit
One survivor from London recounted the terrifying moments:
“(My daughter) got scared so we went to the hallway. We were in there about two minutes when my husband jumped on top of her. You could feel the air sucking in and it sounded like a train,” said Leslie, a London resident. “Most of the house was gone.”
The family survived, but many others were not as fortunate.
Residents seeing and inspecting the damage caused by the tornado in St, Louis [Credit: Reuters/Lawrence Bryant]
Kentucky Tornadoes Part of a Larger Storm System
The Kentucky tornado reports are part of a broader outbreak that has affected multiple states. Severe weather, including tornadoes, hail, and high winds, was reported in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and parts of the Great Lakes region. The same system is expected to continue threatening states near the Mexico border, with over 20 million Americans under storm watches through early next week.
A home was destroyed by a powerful tornado in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 16, 2025. (Credit: REUTERS)
According to Poweroutage.us, more than 700,000 homes and businesses across a dozen states, including Kentucky, were without power on Saturday morning.
Emergency Response and State of Emergency
In Laurel County Kentucky, local authorities are working around the clock to assess the damage and help victims. First responders and volunteers are combing through rubble in areas such as Sunshine Hills, Jackson Wilderness Road Park, and Oaks of London subdivisions.
London Mayor Randall Weddle told WKYT:
“I have never personally witnessed what I’ve seen here tonight. There’s a lot of devastation.”
Officials in Pulaski and Laurel counties are urging people to stay off the roads, conserve phone battery, and shelter in place as crews continue to clear roads and search for survivors.
Tornado Sirens Fail in Some Areas
There were also reports that tornado sirens failed to activate in some areas. This is under investigation by emergency management agencies, as it may have contributed to the high number of fatalities.
Weather Outlook: More Storms Ahead
While the system that produced these devastating its weakens, meteorologists warn of additional storms over the weekend. Areas in the Great Plains, Southwest, and Mississippi River Valley remain at risk of level three or higher storm threats, including damaging winds, large hail, and more tornadoes.
Summary: A Grim Day for Kentucky
The Somerset KY it events have left an indelible mark on the state. With nine dead in Laurel County and widespread damage in Somerset Kentucky, this latest outbreak adds to a growing list of weather disasters in the region. The resilience of Kentucky communities will be tested in the coming days as they work to recover from the destruction caused by one of the most deadly tornado Kentucky events in recent history.
Residents across the Commonwealth of Kentucky are being reminded to stay weather aware and heed all warnings as weather storms tornadoes Kentucky continue to pose a serious threat into the new week.
