Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Sunday that the 19 deaths in the state were attributed to a single tornado that touched down Friday and damaged hundreds of homes in southeastern Laurel County.
Preliminary storm surveys by the weather service confirmed significant tornado damage across multiple counties in the state, including EF3 damage in Laurel County.
One of the victims was Maj. Leslie Roger Leatherman of the Laurel County Fire Department, who died while responding to the tornado.
“Major Leatherman was a dedicated public servant for 39 years, answering the call to protect and help others in their most critical time of need. His courage, commitment, and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the department said.
Officials in Missouri reported seven weather-related deaths since Friday: five in St. Louis County and two in Scott County. More than 5,000 homes and buildings were damaged after two confirmed tornadoes pummeled through St. Louis on Friday, Mayor Cara Spencer said.
The weather service office of St. Louis said one of those tornadoes was an EF3 with winds up to 152 mph that tracked through northern St. Louis.
Two people also died in Virginia because of trees falling in storms.
On Tuesday, 26 million people are at risk for severe storms from Louisiana to Indiana, including London, Kentucky, which is still reeling from previous storms.