Weather
Mass Casualty Incident Declared in Somerset After Large and Destructive Tornado
SOMERSET, KY — A mass casualty incident has been declared in Somerset, Kentucky, after a powerful tornado tore through the southern part of the city late Monday evening, causing widespread destruction and confirmed injuries.
Emergency officials have reported major tornado damage along South Highway 27, particularly near Stoplight 22 and Parkers Mill Road.
According to the Somerset Fire Department, the southern portion of the city bore the brunt of the storm.
First responders are actively working in the affected zones, conducting search-and-rescue operations and attending to injured residents.
Video footage shared by residents shows the immense scale of the destruction, including flattened buildings, overturned vehicles, and large debris fields.
Emergency crews described the scene as “chaotic,” with multiple structures leveled and communications hindered due to infrastructure damage.
TORNADO PUMMELS LAUREL COUNTY
Several areas of Laurel County, including the Sunshine Hills area shown in this video, were struck by a tornado late Friday night. Multiple injuries have been reported. Ky. 363 is closed while the injured are evacuated and homes are searched. pic.twitter.com/nEeFkZBsso— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) May 17, 2025
The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Emergency for Pulaski County as the storm system produced multiple large and destructive tornadoes, one of which carved a path through Somerset.
Radar imagery revealed a well-defined debris ball, indicating a confirmed tornado with significant debris being lofted into the air.
The system was observed moving east toward London, Kentucky, with the potential to reach the area within 10 to 15 minutes from initial tracking.
- Multiple injuries have been confirmed, though the exact number has not yet been released.
- Rescue operations are ongoing, with mutual aid being requested from neighboring counties.
- Major infrastructure damage reported, including downed power lines, destroyed homes, and blocked roadways.
- Residents are being urged to stay off the roads and avoid affected areas to allow emergency crews unimpeded access.
Authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and are urging anyone with injuries or structural damage to contact 911.
More information will be released as rescue operations and damage assessments continue.
This is a developing situation. Stay tuned to official channels for updates, and take immediate shelter if you are in the path of this dangerous weather system.
NEW JERSEY – Torrential rainfall has triggered widespread flash flooding across northern New Jersey, leaving roadways submerged, traffic paralyzed, and numerous motorists stranded.
In response to the rapidly deteriorating conditions, Governor Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency Monday evening at 7:33 p.m., urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
“Please stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Stay safe, New Jersey,” Murphy wrote in a statement released on social media.
The flash flooding has severely impacted several major roadways, including:
- Route 22: Entire sections of the highway were completely underwater, with numerous vehicles stalled in rising floodwaters. Emergency responders are on scene assisting trapped motorists.
- New Jersey Turnpike: Near Newark, both northbound and southbound lanes experienced heavy flooding, resulting in lane closures and significant traffic delays. Some areas of the Turnpike are reported to be completely impassable as water levels continue to rise.
Residents described scenes of devastation, with roads transformed into rivers and entire neighborhoods inundated. Video footage from affected areas shows cars partially submerged, and water rushing through intersections and parking lots.
Officials have issued a strong warning: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Flash flooding remains an active threat as more rain is forecast throughout the evening and into Tuesday.
Emergency management teams across the state are working to coordinate response efforts, deploy high-water rescue vehicles, and mitigate further flooding.
Despite the swift response, public reaction has been mixed, with some residents criticizing the timing and preparedness of local and state agencies.
One social media user remarked, “Don’t bother calling FEMA, nobody will answer,” reflecting growing frustration over emergency response delays.
The duration of the State of Emergency remains unclear, but officials stress that residents should continue to monitor official alerts, follow emergency guidance, and contact 2-1-1 for shelter assistance if displaced.
If you are experiencing a flood-related emergency, contact local authorities immediately.
This is a developing situation. More updates will follow as the weather event continues to unfold.