So, Friday night (May 16), things got really bad in parts of Kentucky and a bit of Missouri too. Tornadoes came tearing through out of nowhere and honestly, the damage is heartbreaking. Whole neighborhoods are just gone. At least 16 people didn’t survive, and dozens more are injured. The worst of it hit Laurel County and Pulaski County in Kentucky. St. Louis, Missouri also got hit pretty bad.
It all happened fast, and people barely had time to react.
What Happened in Laurel County (London, KY)
Late Friday night, around 11:45 or so, a strong tornado touched down in London, Kentucky. It ripped through homes like they were paper. Sunshine Hills got hit the hardest — houses there are either completely gone or so damaged that people can’t go back inside.
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9 people died here, and a lot more are hurt.
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Emergency crews have been working nonstop trying to find anyone trapped.
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Some families lost everything — homes, belongings, even loved ones.
It’s honestly hard to even recognize some parts of the neighborhood now. Rescue teams are still out there, just hoping they find survivors.
Somerset (Pulaski County) Is In a State of Emergency
Somerset wasn’t spared either. Another strong tornado hit there just a little after the one in London. The damage is huge — roads are blocked off, power lines are down, and buildings are either destroyed or barely standing.
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A state of emergency was declared right away.
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The Red Cross is helping families who have nowhere else to go.
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A lot of people are still trying to get in touch with loved ones.
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Some areas are totally cut off due to downed trees and power poles.
It’s scary seeing how fast things went from normal to chaos. People are just trying to process it all while also picking up the pieces.
St. Louis, Missouri Also Took a Hit
It wasn’t just Kentucky. Over in Missouri, especially around St. Louis, another tornado caused a lot of destruction. At least five people died, and around 5,000 buildings were damaged — homes, stores, all kinds of places.
The city’s now focused on cleanup and getting help to people who need it. Emergency shelters are open, and local crews are out fixing power and clearing roads.
What Rescue Teams Are Doing Right Now
First responders, volunteers, and aid groups are doing all they can. It’s overwhelming, but people are stepping up. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing, especially in the worst-hit spots.
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Folks are being asked to stay away from damaged areas unless they’re helping.
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Emergency shelters are open for anyone who lost their home.
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The Red Cross and others are handing out food, water, and medical supplies.
It’s one of those moments where you really see the community come together, even through the heartbreak.
Stay Safe During Storm Season — Some Quick Tips
If you live in places where tornadoes are common, these reminders can honestly make a big difference:
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Keep a weather alert app on your phone — it might give you those few extra minutes to get to safety.
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Know where the safest place in your house is (basement or interior room).
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Have an emergency kit ready — include water, flashlight, battery backup for your phone, basic meds, and a small first aid kit.
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When you hear a warning, don’t brush it off — stay inside and stay updated through local news or alerts.
Nobody ever thinks it’ll hit their neighborhood... until it does. Stay safe out there.
