A devastating EF-4 tornado struck London, Kentucky, on May 16, 2025, leaving widespread destruction and claiming the lives of at least 19 people. Laurel County was particularly hard-hit, with 17 deaths reported in the area. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the tornado's intensity, noting winds of 170 mph and a path stretching 55.6 miles across Pulaski and Laurel counties.
The Sunshine Hills subdivision in Laurel County was among the worst-affected areas, with numerous homes reduced to rubble. The disaster prompted Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to declare a state of emergency, and emergency services are still working to provide aid to those affected.
Amanda Radford, a local resident, tragically lost both of her parents, Richard and Wanda, in the tornado. Their home was destroyed, leaving Radford and the community in mourning. Radford remembers her parents as loving and fun-loving people who embraced everyone they met.