Laurel County Ky. Emergency Management

06/01/2026

Autism training for all first responders. Wednesday, June 10 at the EOC.

05/22/2026

We will enter an active weather period from 1-9 p.m. this afternoon and evening. Strong storms and heavy rainfall are predicted, with localized flooding. A few tornadoes are possible.

Stay weather aware today. Don't drive over flooded roads.

05/12/2026

Agenda for Day of Remembrance this Saturday.

Here is the agenda for the Day of Remembrance Saturday at Wyan-Pine Elementary School to honor and remember those we lost during the tornado last May. The public is invited to attend.

05/06/2026

This is a nice way to remember and honor the victims of the May 16, 2025 tornado.

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE SET
FOR TORNADO VICTIMS

On May 16, 2026, the Laurel County community will come together to remember the 19 people killed by an F-4 tornado one year ago, celebrate the survivors and to thank those who’ve been instrumental in the recovery.

A Day of Remembrance will be held Saturday, May 16 at 11 a.m. at Wyan-Pine Elementary School gymnasium on Ky. 363. The school is about a half mile from the Sunshine Hills Subdivision, where 10 of the fatalities occurred.

During the remembrance, the names of all 19 victims will be read. There will also be special singing, survivor stories, special guests and recollections from first responders who worked heroically that night to save people who were injured when their homes were destroyed by 170 mph winds.

After the tornado, Wyan-Pine Elementary served as a command center and staging area for volunteers who helped with recovery efforts. Those volunteers will be recognized during the remembrance, along with state and local road crews who helped with debris removal. Companies who donated equipment and manpower to help move the mountain of debris also will be recognized.

A free meal will offered after the remembrance to all of those in attendance, provided by Laurel County Judge-Executive David Westerfield and the Laurel County Cattleman’s Association.

Everyone is invited to attend this special day to remember and honor those killed during this tragic event. Please mark it on your calendar.

03/03/2026

Reminder: Annual Statewide Tornado Drill at 10:07 a.m. Wednesday.

Just a reminder, there will be the Statewide Tornado Drill tomorrow (Wednesday March 4th) at 10:07 AM EST.

NWS has received multiple inquiries on whether they plan on conducting the statewide tornado drill as scheduled, despite the chance for ongoing weather Wednesday. After conferring with the other NWS Kentucky offices, the decision was made to continue with the test.

Each case to postpone due to weather conditions is unique. Given the forecast calls for storms each day this week and extending into next week, Wednesday March 4th is a great time to test readiness for severe weather over the next week and beyond. The risk for severe weather on Wednesday is an afternoon and evening threat, mainly for hail and wind across the western and central portions of the state.

We could use your help to message ahead of the test, that severe weather is not expected during the morning hours, to avoid confusion with the test.

Thanks for your understanding of the tricky nature of holding the annual tornado drill during the regularly scheduled time.

03/02/2026

A statewide tornado drill is set for Wednesday morning, March 4 at 10:07 AM EST. Read the following information from the US National Weather Service in Louisville to see how you can test your readiness for the upcoming tornado season.

As part of KY Severe Weather Awareness Week, the statewide tornado drill will take place on March 4 at 10:07 AM EST (9:07 AM CST). This will be a great opportunity to practice your tornado safety plan, whether you are at home, school, or work. For more info and FAQ, visit https://www.weather.gov/lmk/KentuckyTornadoDrill

01/30/2026

Looks like a general 1-3 snowfall with a reinforcing shot of Arctic air. Stay safe and warm.

01/28/2026

During the recent winter storm, Laurel County Emergency Management worked with The City of London to make sure residents stayed safe, warm, and supported.

Warming shelters were opened and stocked with sleeping cots and blankets. An animal shelter was set up so pets could stay warm alongside their families.

Even with phone lines down in parts of the county, Laurel County Emergency Management continued responding to calls for help, assisting residents with transportation to warming shelters, family and friends’ homes, and providing access to food and water when needed.

Teams operated around the clock, coordinating local response efforts while also managing and requesting resources from other state agencies to fill gaps as conditions changed. The response was truly a 24-hour operation, driven by coordination, persistence, and a shared commitment to the community.

This storm was a strong example of what can be accomplished when county and city partners work together with one goal in mind: taking care of Laurel County and its residents.

01/26/2026

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCMENT

If any residents are on home oxygen, please reach out to your medical supplier to make sure you have enough portable canisters for your needs if your power goes out. The medical supplier should be able to reach you. That’s their job. We’ve had a couple of calls from people needing oxygen. Please be proactive with your medical supplies. It’s not going to be above freezing all week.

01/25/2026