Southeastern Kentucky communities are mourning the losses of loved ones who were killed as tornadoes and heavy storms rushed through the region May 16. As of May 21, 19 people had died in Kentucky due to the severe weather event, Gov. Andy Beshear said.

Tornadoes that swept through parts of Kentucky Friday night killed 18 people in Kentucky and left several others critically injured. The storms that hit Kentucky came from a weather system

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.

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.

Compassion shines as Tri-State volunteers collect essential donations for southeastern Kentucky tornado victims, including food and supplies for both people and pets.

Did alerts go out? What type of alerts did people receive? National Weather Service and others have said the Jackson office was staffed Friday night despite staffing shortages.