In Louisville, storms are expected to arrive sometime between 5-8 p.m. Maps issued by NWS Louisville at 12:03 p.m. showed southwestern Kentucky, including Bowling Green, under a greater than 10% risk for tornadoes of at least EF-2 strength within 25 miles.

Because of the dark, stormy conditions, Laurel County Fire Department officials are unsure if he knew who he was saving.

Major Leslie Leatherman, a 39-year veteran of the Laurel County Fire Department, was tragically killed while responding to a fire alarm when the tornado touched down.

Meteorologists with the NWS Paducah office have also confirmed several tornadoes in its region the afternoon and evening of May 16. Three tornadoes impacted western Kentucky, including an EF-3 tornado in Morganfield with winds of 155 mph, an EF-2 tornado in Allegre and an EF-2 tornado in Casky.

Barbourville Road was down to one lane in front of Slate Hill Baptist Church just outside of London, Ky. in Laurel County Sunday, May 18, 2025 as utility workers made repairs from down lines on the road. Two days earlier, thunderstorms and a deadly tornado ripped through the Southern Kentucky community destroying many homes.

Tornadoes in southeastern Kentucky resulted in at least 19 confirmed fatalities, with a potential for a higher death toll. While Louisville experienced tree damage and power outages, no life-threatening injuries were reported. This story has been updated with new information.