Tragedy struck late Friday as a powerful storm system tore through the region, .

announced the grim news just after 8:00 a.m. Saturday, confirming the rising death toll. While he didn't specify the locations of the additional fatalities, .

The devastation in . when a tornado carved a destructive path across several roadways, including .

"Lives have been changed forever here tonight," expressed told Lexington based . "This is a time we come together, and we pray for this community. I have never personally witnessed what I've witnessed here tonight. There's a lot of devastation."

Laurel County Sheriff John Root stated that search and rescue operations are ongoing in the affected areas as emergency responders work to locate any survivors. In addition to the nine confirmed fatalities in Laurel County, Sheriff Root reported that numerous individuals sustained severe injuries.

"We lift up those lives who were tragically cut short by the fury of the tornado and those who have been injured," Sheriff Root said. "Strengthen the hands of rescuers and inspire compassion in the hearts of communities near and far to offer aid in support."
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Dickenson Media will continue to follow the events in Southern Kentucky as they become available.