Residents in Kentucky and Missouri sifted through damage in tornado-stricken neighborhoods and cleared debris Sunday after severe storms swept through parts of the Midwest and South and killed

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.

The severe weather killed 18 people in Pulaski and Laurel Counties. Crews are assessing damage, and have confirmedat least one tornado.