At least 18 killed as severe weather lashes Kentucky, 9 more die elsewhere

Storms that swept across part of the Midwest and South killed at least 27 people including 18 in Kentucky, where another 10 were hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said.

A devastating tornado in Kentucky damaged homes, tossed vehicles and left many people homeless. Seventeen of the deaths were in Laurel County, located in the state's southeast, and one was in Pulaski County: Fire Department Maj. Roger Leslie Leatherman, a 39-year veteran who was fatally injured while responding to the deadly weather.

Parts of two dozen state roads were closed, and some could take days to reopen, according to Gov. Andy Beshear, who announced the toll of dead and critically injured on Saturday. He also said the death toll could still rise.

State Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson said hundreds of homes were damaged. Rescuers searched for survivors all night and into the morning, the sheriff's office said. An emergency shelter was set up at a high school and donations of food and other necessities were arriving.

(Source: AP)

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