More than a dozen people are dead in southeastern Kentucky from strong tornadoes May 16 and 17, state and local officials said. Heavy damage was reported in Pulaski and Laurel counties, where Laurel County Sheriff John Root said a tornado tore through the area just before midnight.

A Laurel County, Kentucky firefighter who was injured while responding to storm damage overnight is among the 17 people who died, according to officials.

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