Tornadoes that swept through Kentucky, Missouri and Virginia killed more than two dozen people, destroyed homes and left thousands without power as residents began clearing widespread storm damage.

LONDON, Ky. — As a powerful tornado moved toward Laurel County late Friday, Zach Wilson drove through the storms to get to his parents.

A violent storm system that included at least one unconfirmed tornado ripped across Kentucky, destroying homes, businesses and at least one church. 18 are confirmed dead as of Saturday afternoon.

Tornadoes in southeastern Kentucky resulted in at least 19 confirmed fatalities, with a potential for a higher death toll. While Louisville experienced tree damage and power outages, no life-threatening injuries were reported.

Kentucky firefighter Leslie Leatherman answered the call for help when a late-night tornado plowed through his Laurel County community.

The weather service predicts two waves of storm systems Tuesday, with the second having the potential for significant impact across KY.

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.”

People unemployed or self-employed living or working in the affected areas and became unemployed or had work interrupted as a direct result of the flooding that occurred in Kentucky starting

The lone victim in Pulaski County was identified as Melody Godby, 68, of Somerset. She was at a house in the Poplarville community in eastern Pulaski County that “exploded” in the storm, said Coroner Clyde Strunk.

The force of 170 mph winds from a cataclysmic tornado in Kentucky literally ripped a married couple apart as they clung to each other — horrifically tearing off one arm from each victim.