Two Kentucky families sought shelter in their homes' bathrooms when a tornado barreled through London, Ky., on Friday, May 16.

Families hunkered down in their bathrooms and emerged to find their homes gone when a deadly tornado barreled through the community of London, Kentucky, on Friday, leaving behind only foundations

During Friday’s deadly tornadoes, a quiet evening for a London family turned into a fight for survival. On a typical Friday night, Vanessa Mullins and her family had just finished playing Scattergories when she and her boyfriend decided to go outside and watch the storm roll through.

Major Leslie Leatherman, a 39-year veteran of the Laurel County Fire Department, was tragically killed while responding to a fire alarm when the tornado touched down.

Aerial video footage from areas in the South and Midwest, including Kentucky, show a trail of destruction left by devastating storms and tornadoes.

A family in London is recovering after losing their home of nearly five decades on Airview Drive after Friday's tornado. "When it hit it really surprised me," Daniel Henderson said. Henderson and his wife were in their basement when the tornado hit, saying they walked out of the basement around 1:15 Saturday morning.

Experts say planning before a tornado threatens is key for staying safe. Weather radios, basements and bicycle helmets can all help save lives.

LONDON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — In the aftermath of the powerful tornado that tore through parts of Laurel County, stories of destruction and heartbreak are being met with just as many examples of hope, resilience, and neighborly love.