LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Multiple Kentuckians are dead after a "mass casualty" line of storms ravaged multiple counties.

Just after 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, Gov. Andy Beshear took to social media to announce that at least 14 Kentuckians were killed due to the storms that extended overnight.

"This number is expected to grow as we receive more information. Please pray for all of our affected families," the governor wrote.

He later announced, just after 9:30 a.m., that he would be traveling to London on Saturday to survey damage.

Beshear confirmed that five counties have declared a state of emergency, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is reporting minimal roadway impacts.

"I want to thank Kentucky Emergency Management, first responders, Kentucky State Police, local officials and Kentuckians across our state for working through the night to keep everyone informed and safe. All of our resources are now focused on rescue efforts. Please pray for the families affected. We will get through this together," Beshear said.

Around 11:30 p.m., the Weather Authority tracked a tornado that had originally touched down in Pulaski County before moving into Laurel County. The Laurel County Fiscal Court announced on Facebook that the tornado had "pummeled" the area.

Corbin police said that, while answering the call to remove debris in the area, what they saw made them "emotional."

Laurel County Sheriff John Root announced just before 6 a.m. that officials are still searching the damaged area for survivors.

Trooper Pennington with Kentucky State Police announced Saturday morning that First Baptist Church in London will serve as a shelter to those impacted by the tornado.

Pennington also said that First Assembly of God Church will serve as a base for people to file missing persons reports following the storm. KSP detectives and the Laurel County Sheriff's Office will be present. Missing person details will not start until 9 a.m., per Pennington.

First Baptist Church can be found at 804 W Fifth St. in London, while First Assembly of God is located at 390 Faith Assembly Church Rd. in London.

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 56 News for updates.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/kentucky/beshear-confirms-at-least-14-dead-after-storms/