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.

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.

The family's home was picked up and thrown across the street when a tornado ripped through the area, destroying everything they own.

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.

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

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

Several parts of the state were struck by the tornado early Saturday morning, leaving significant damage across the area.

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.