In Louisville, storms are expected to arrive sometime between 5-8 p.m. Maps issued by NWS Louisville at 12:03 p.m. showed southwestern Kentucky, including Bowling Green, under a greater than 10% risk for tornadoes of at least EF-2 strength within 25 miles.

Because of the dark, stormy conditions, Laurel County Fire Department officials are unsure if he knew who he was saving.

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.

Barbourville Road was down to one lane in front of Slate Hill Baptist Church just outside of London, Ky. in Laurel County Sunday, May 18, 2025 as utility workers made repairs from down lines on the road. Two days earlier, thunderstorms and a deadly tornado ripped through the Southern Kentucky community destroying many homes.

One of the biggest concerns that we have is that you’re in this debris in high winds and it becomes a projectile, and it injures or kills somebody.”