An apparent powerful tornado tore through Russell, Pulaski and Laurel County in Kentucky late Friday night, leaving a trail of destruction and killing several.

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.

Buddy, the beloved dog of Laurel County resident Pamela Mason, was found injured but alive following a tornado that touched down in the southeastern Kentucky County May 16. Mason is among the 19 confirmed victims of the weekend storm. David Scott photo

In the wake of deadly Friday night storms that left the Laurel County community to pick up the pieces, officials have listed the items that storm victims need most. Community members in the county and surrounding areas have rallied to help their neighbors in need.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -The National Weather Service has completed the tornado assessment in Laurel County, Kentucky. The preliminary data showed high end EF3 damage, with low end EF4 indicators, mainly in the Sunshine Hills area of London, officials with the NWS said.

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.

Warm meals and open hearts drive recovery in London, KY amid devastating tornado. Volunteers are working tirelessly to support and uplift displaced families.

A reported tornado claimed lives in Laurel County, causing destruction and displacing many. Shelters are open and efforts are underway to help those affected.

Gov. Andy Beshear says the death toll is expected to rise as more information comes in following storms that struck Kentucky.