A powerful nighttime tornado tore through Laurel County, Kentucky , leaving behind widespread destruction with homes leveled and vehicles The twister was believed to be at least an EF3 with winds over 136 mph.

At least 18 people have died in Kentucky following severe weather that swept through Missouri and Kentucky. Gov. Andy Beshear said the fatalities were caused by a single tornado, initially estimated to be an EF3.

At least 27 people have been killed after a series of powerful tornadoes tore through multiple states on Friday, according to the Associated Press. In Kentucky, at least 18 people were killed by severe weather.

You could literally hear just things ripping in the distance, glass shattering everywhere, just roaring like a freight train."

At least five people died and others were hurt after severe weather including a possible tornado swept through St. Louis, the mayor said.