LONDON, KY – May 17, 2025, 6:28 AM EDT – A violent tornado tore through London, Kentucky, late Friday night, demolishing homes, businesses, and infrastructure, but miraculously sparing the home of Christopher Curry and his family in Findley Trailer Park after they narrowly escaped the storm’s path twice. Two TikTok videos recorded by Christopher Curry and posted by JerseyBull capture their harrowing ordeal, including the terrifying roar of the tornado as they fled, with the family now safe at their daughter’s home and preparing to begin debris cleanup at their untouched trailer later this morning.
The Curry family first fled their home in Findley Trailer Park, seeking refuge at a business on U.S. 25 south of London. Realizing they were still in the tornado’s path, they made a split-second decision to flee again, racing south on Hwy 25 toward Corbin around 11:00 PM EDT.
The first TikTok video shows their emotional return to Findley Trailer Park, where their trailer home stood intact amid obliterated surroundings. “It’s a miracle. Everything around us is gone, but our home’s still standing,” Christopher Curry said in the footage, standing among overturned trailers and debris.
Watch the return video here: https://www.tiktok.com/@jett_2021/video/7505325027626208542.
The second TikTok video, just seconds long, recorded by Christopher Curry inside their vehicle, captures the chilling roar of the approaching tornado as they fled south on Hwy 25, underscoring the urgency of their escape. Watch the fleeing video here: https://www.tiktok.com/@jett_2021/video/7505339700564036894.
Returning hours later, the family found the business on U.S. 25 where they had parked completely destroyed, yet their home in Findley Trailer Park remained unscathed. Now safely at their daughter’s home, the Curry family plans to return to their trailer later this morning to begin clearing debris from their property and assist in the community’s recovery efforts.
The tornado, part of a 500-mile-long supercell, caused catastrophic damage across London’s south side, a city of about 8,500 residents. A possible tornado was spotted near London-Corbin Airport, captured on the airport’s webcam before the livestream cut out due to a power outage. Meteorologists on X reported a “violent” tornado with a significant debris ball on radar, striking 2.5 miles from downtown.
The airport sustained severe damage, with unconfirmed reports of destroyed aircraft and facilities. Entire neighborhoods, including Findley Trailer Park, were flattened, and first responders are conducting urgent searches for survivors amid “horrific” conditions reported on scanners.
Multiple injuries have been reported in Laurel County, with Ky. 363 closed for evacuations and home searches in areas like Sunshine Hills and Oaks of London subdivision. The Corbin Police Department, assisting with debris clearance on the interstate, described the scene as “an emotional site to see.” The Somerset Fire Department reported significant damage south of London, urging residents to avoid affected areas due to traffic hindering rescue efforts. A mass casualty event was declared in Somerset, with severe damage to businesses like South End Speedway, Baxter’s Coffee, Hardee’s (south), and possibly a theater. U.S. 27 is closed from Bob Evans to Somerset Mall.
No official injury or fatality counts have been confirmed as rescue operations continue. The National Weather Service in Jackson, KY, issued a tornado warning for London, Somerset, and Ferguson until midnight EDT, urging residents to seek shelter. Whitley Street in London remains closed due to downed trees, utility poles, and debris, with large hail adding to the destruction.
Governor Andy Beshear, who warned of severe weather risks earlier Friday, has not yet issued a statement. The tornado was part of a broader outbreak across the Midwest and Ohio Valley, with Kentucky under a tornado watch much of the night.
Latest Updates (as of 6:28 AM EDT, May 17, 2025):
- Laurel County Damage: The Laurel County Fiscal Court reported tornado strikes in multiple areas, including London-Corbin Airport, Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park, and the Oaks of London subdivision. Ky. 363 remains closed for evacuations and searches.
- Somerset Impact: A violent tornado struck Somerset minutes before London, prompting a mass casualty declaration. Damaged areas include South End Speedway, Lutheran Church, Baxter’s Coffee, Hardee’s (south), and possibly a theater. U.S. 27 remains closed.
- Road Closures: Whitley Street, Ky. 363, Hwy 1642 near RECC (blocked by debris), and U.S. 27 in Somerset are closed, complicating access.
- Community Response: The Corbin Police Department has called for prayers for Laurel County victims and emergency personnel. Social media posts describe the devastation as resembling “a bomb went off.”
- Weather Context: The National Weather Service has not yet classified the tornado’s strength (e.g., EF rating), as damage surveys are ongoing. Earlier regional tornadoes, like an EF-1 in Corbin on May 26, 2024, had 90 mph winds, but this event appears far more severe.
- Curry Family Status: The Curry family is safe at their daughter’s home and plans to begin debris cleanup at their Findley Trailer Park home later this morning. No further details on their property or community cleanup efforts are available.
The two TikTok videos by JerseyBull, recorded by Christopher Curry, have sparked widespread support for London’s recovery, with the family’s survival and resilience offering hope amid tragedy. Residents are urged to avoid damaged areas to facilitate emergency operations and ensure safety during cleanup efforts.
Follow ClayCoNews for updates on this evolving story. If you have information or media about the tornado’s impact, contact our newsroom safely.
