Kentucky firefighter Leslie Leatherman answered the call for help when a late-night tornado plowed through his Laurel County community

A violent storm system that included at least one unconfirmed tornado ripped across Kentucky, destroying homes, businesses and at least one church. 18 are confirmed dead as of Saturday afternoon.

The weather service predicts two waves of storm systems Tuesday, with the second having the potential for significant impact across KY.

A few storms may be possible Tuesday morning, but the main threat for strong-to-severe thunderstorms comes in the afternoon to evening hours. Damaging winds, excessive rain and isolated tornadoes are all possible. Make sure you stay weather aware and have a way to receive severe weather alerts.

As people in Laurel County and surrounding areas process the aftermath of the deadly tornado that tore through the area, Friday, people are wondering how they can help.

Residents in 49 Kentucky counties are urged to find alternate ways to receive severe weather alerts through Wednesday.

Prospective applicants should call the Department for Community-Based Services’ (DCBS) call center for D-SNAP at 1-855-306-8959.