Kentucky
Kentucky tornado updates: Mandatory evacuation order issued for some in Laurel County
The National Weather Service in Louisville anticipates severe weather is possible May 20 throughout Kentucky, with the greatest chance for significant tornadoes in southwestern part of the state.
A wave of storms could move through most of the state by the evening, beginning in west Kentucky. In addition to tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds are the main threats for the commonwealth, though flash flooding could also occur during the fast-moving storms, NWS Louisville officials said in a weather briefing. 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. Lexington and cities to the south had a 10% chance for these tornadoes, and Louisville and parts of a northeastern Kentucky are under a 5% chance.
The greatest risk for hail of at least 2 inches in diameter appears to in west Kentucky, where chances are greater than 30%, according to National Weather Service graphics. There is a 15% chance for hail of that size in the rest of the commonwealth, except for far northeastern Kentucky.
Louisville has a 30% chance of seeing strong damaging winds, while there is also for 45% chance for severe gusts in Bowling Green, London and Corbin.
Central Kentucky and southern Indiana residents who typically use a weather radio for updates on severe storms will need to rely on other sources of information May 20, due to a scheduled computer systems update pre-planned by the National Weather Service.
Follow live updates from around Louisville and Kentucky.
All executive branch state offices in Kentucky will close early ahead of expected inclement weather, according to a post from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services.
Officials wrote that Gov. Andy Beshear will close the offices at 3 p.m. May 20.
“Executive Branch agencies will continue to provide services to the citizens of the Commonwealth, therefore, essential employees designated for mandatory operations and those able to work remotely should continue to report for work,” the post said.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said it will also close at 3 p.m., with all regional offices closing at 2:30 p.m.
“We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience,” KYTC officials said. “Regional offices will contact affected customers to reschedule appointments.”
Areas in Laurel County that were impacted by a tornado late May 16 will be evacuated during the evening hours of May 20 ahead of more severe storms are set to move into the area, state and local officials announce during a news conference.
Officials are concerned that the risks of May 20 storms that could bring high winds, tornadoes and hail may be compounded by debris and buildings left weakened from the recent tornado that killed a confirmed 17 people in Laurel County. The evacuation zone includes “all affected areas” in Laurel County, London Mayor Randall Weddle said.
“There’s going to be people that’s not going to like the thoughts of mandatory,” Laurel County Sheriff John Root said. “Each of these officials behind me, we gathered together, we put our heads together and I want you to know that this is for the safety of our community.”
The evacuation will last from about 6-11 p.m., though it could be extended depending on the timing of the weather, Gov. Andy Beshear said. Local officials will notify residents in the evacuation area and transport them to safe shelters throughout the day using buses and other government vehicles, Weddle said.
Shelters include the London Community Center and other spaces coordinated by the American Red Cross, Weddle said.
“We’re going to be moving throughout these two neighborhoods right after we break here, and we’ll make sure that each of those residents knows,” Beshear said.
Communities in east Kentucky, including those impacted by heavy storm damage May 16, are under a tornado watch from now until 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The watch also includes parts of Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Within the watch area, residents could see a “few tornadoes,” hail as large as a ping-pong ball and wind gusts of up to 70 mph.
Laurel County Public School announced May 20 that the school year officially concluded May 16 following severe weather and a devastating tornado that killed nearly 20 people in the area.
“We believe this decision to end the school year will allow us to focus on our students and employees who have been adversely impacted, as we continue to coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies in the restoration of services to our community,” officials said. “We are saddened that our students will not be able to enjoy the typical last week of school activities.”
Graduation remains scheduled for May 31 and additional information will be shared on the websites and social media pages of individual schools.
The district previously extended the school day for students pending House Bill 241 to make up for missed days. The school system was one of the districts along Interstate 75 near London previously forced to close or move to NTI as police officers spent nearly two weeks searching for a gunman who opened fire on travelers from an overpass in September 2024.
Summer practice is full underway for the 2026-27 Kentucky men’s basketball squad. And while the on-court teaching is critical to the offseason, what’s happening off the floor is equally as important.
Earlier this week, head coach Mark Pope and the entire team made a trip to the Kentucky Children’s Hospital, where they helped put together Father’s Day goodie bags, built toys, played board games with the kids, and shared laughs all around. Watching Franck Kepnang, Mason Williams, and Jerone Morton smile ear-to-ear while losing in a board game will make your heart full.
This was more than just a quick stop, though. This was about building real relationships and putting smiles on the faces of kids who deserve it. Returning center Malachi Moreno even reconnected with one of his new friends.
“There was a kid I’ve actually kept in touch with for a while. His name’s Jackson,” Moreno said Thursday. “Took some of my teammates in to meet him. I met him at Dance Blue. We’ve been playing Fortnite together. Got his PSN (PlayStation Network) tag and we’re going to play some Fortnite. Me, him, Kam (Williams), and Trent (Noah), we’re gonna play some Fortnite together.
“He’s such a cool kid. I think the guys really took in what it means to be at this brand. We walk in any room, we’re gonna brighten someone’s day. They might not be as fortunate as us but we’re taking time out of our day to go see them, and we’re having fun with it. I just wanted them to realize how much fun these kids are having with us.”
Judging by the video that UK put out on Thursday (which you can watch below) , it sure looks like everyone was having a blast. Some things are bigger than basketball.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Severe weather across the Commonwealth has led to downed trees, traffic impacts and thousands of power outages.
Extensive coverage will be available on air and on WKYT+, where people can stay updated on the latest storm threats and impacts.
Franklin County Damage
A house fire was caused by lightning striking the attic space above two bedrooms, the Franklin County Fire Department reports.
A child was reportedly awakened by smoke, and alerted the residents to danger. Everyone was able to get out of the home safely before fire crews arrived.
Crews say they were able to contain the fire to the attic, which reduced further damage to the home.
Grant County damage
The Grant County Judge Executive Chuck Dills declared a state of emergency for Grant County due to severe weather damage.
Mason County damage
The Washington Fire Department says crews have been busy with storm damage reports from early morning storms.
The Mason County Judge Executive Owen McNeill says most of the damage seems to be west of US 68 within or near the Maysville city limits. McNeill says trees and debris are in roads county wide, with several power lines down.
Jessamine County damage
Jessamine County Emergency Management posted on social media that multiple weather-related incidents and power outages Thursday morning have taxed their Emergency service teams
Officials say crews have responded to multiple flooded out roads, downed trees and at least four damaged structures including some commercial occupancies that had collapse of roof or structures.
If you experienced any damage, you are asked to message Jessamine County Emergency Management or submit a damage assessment report.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 7 said KY 1267 at Cushingberry Lane in Jessamine County is closed due to a downed tree on a phone line.
Following severe weather, Ollie’s bargain outlet’s roof partially collapsed in Jessamine County according to emergency management. Emergency management is on the scene handling the situation.
The whole strip mall is closed due to a water leak and potential gas leak.
Show us your photos
Viewers are encouraged to submit any photos and videos of storm damage and impacts to WKYT. People can submit entries below.
Power outages
As of 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, over 4,000 customers in Fayette County are without power, and over 57,000 customers are without power throughout Kentucky, according to Kentucky Power Outages.
In a social media post, Woodford County said it was monitoring outages and was in coordination with utility partners to work to restore power.
The main transmission line that provides power to Falmouth was damaged, leading the city to be without power according to Pendleton County Emergency Management. An LG&E crew is reportedly enroute to fix the problem, but Falmouth will have no power until the damage is repaired.
Road Conditions
Garrard County Emergency Management says several state and county roads are being covered in water due to the weather conditions. They advise for anyone travelling to use extreme caution and be aware of flooded areas.
If encountering a water covered road, turn around and don’t drive through it, Garrard County Emergency Management says. An alternate route is the safest option.
Rolling Acres is closed between Bender Drive and Rancho Drive in Frankfort due to storm damage according to the Frankfort-Franklin County Office of Emergency Management. Utility crews are making preparations for repair onsite.
U.S. 127 Business at mile point 1.4 in Anderson County was closed due to a downed tree, according to KYTC, and Midway Road is closed between Old Frankfort Pike and US 60 in Woodford County.
KYTC reports a downed tree at mile point 3.1 on Bryan Station Road in Fayette County. The road is currently blocked. Information will be provided as updates become available.
Old Frankfort Pike is also closed between Pisgah Pike and the Fayette County line due to a tree on utility lines, KYTC said.
The Harrodsburg Police Department says that the road at Moberly Road and Scooter Avenue is not drivable due to high water, and barricades are in place to prevent drivers from attempting to cross.
KYTC encouraged drivers to use caution while traveling and watch for roadway hazard, including downed trees, debris and powerlines.
Copyright 2026 WKYT. All rights reserved.
By West Kentucky Star Staff
Jun. 17, 2026 | 10:25 PM
| PADUCAH
A drug trafficking investigation landed a Paducah man behind bars.
The weeks-long investigation by Paducah Police led them to 54-year-old Byrone K. Burns. Burnes was believed to be involved in moving illegal drugs through the area.
An undercover purchase was arranged, and detectives reportedly came away with more than ten grams of methamphetamine. Burns was arrested at his job just before 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Following his arrest, detectives searched two locations in Paducah connected to Burns. They reportedly seized more than two pounds of marijuana, a hydrocodone pill, several thousand dollars in cash, and items consistent with trafficking.
Burns, who is said to have an extensive criminal history related to drugs and weapons, was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine and marijuana, and possession of hydrocodone. He was booked into the McCracken County Regional Jail.
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