At least 19 killed as powerful tornadoes strike St. Louis and Kentucky, destroying thousands of homes and leaving tens of thousands without power.
Tornadoes wreaked havoc in St. Louis and Kentucky, killing at least 19 people. Over 5,000 buildings were damaged, power outages affected over 100,000 properties, and emergency crews continue rescue and search operations amid widespread destruction.
Tornado Devastates St. Louis, Leaves 5 Dead and Thousands Without Power
At least five people lost their lives and over 5,000 buildings were damaged when a powerful tornado struck St. Louis, Missouri, on Friday evening. The storm tore off roofs, uprooted trees, and brought down power lines along major roads. The U.S. National Weather Service confirmed that multiple tornadoes, including six in Missouri and neighboring Illinois, were reported.
Radar indicated the tornado touched down around 2:30 PM local time near Forest Park, close to the St. Louis Zoo and the site of the 1904 Olympic Games. St. Louis Fire Department reported rescuing three people from the partially collapsed Centennial Christian Church, one of whom died.
Nearly 100,000 properties lost electricity. Emergency responders conducted house-to-house searches in the most heavily affected areas. To prevent injuries from debris and curb potential looting, curfews were imposed in two heavily damaged areas from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM local time.
Mayor Tishaura Jones expressed sorrow, saying, “Our city is grieving tonight. The loss of life and destruction are truly heartbreaking. We are focusing on saving lives and keeping people safe.”
Emergency Response and Cleanup Begin
Residents woke up on Saturday to the aftermath of the storm, which left much of the area devastated. A total of 5,000 homes and structures were damaged, and over 80,000 people remained without electricity. Utility company Ameren reported that 84,163 businesses and homes were still without power as of 6:00 AM Saturday.
Although fair weather was forecast for Saturday and most of Sunday, authorities cautioned that damage assessments and power restoration could take time. A press conference was scheduled for 8:30 AM Saturday in St. Louis, while Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe planned a visit to assess the damage.
The hardest-hit neighborhoods included Clayton, Richmond Heights, Forest Park, Central West End, and North City. Clayton authorities ordered evacuations due to possible gas leaks. Attractions in Forest Park remained closed due to damage and power issues.
Kentucky Suffers Deadlier Tornado Impact
Further east, in Kentucky, tornadoes struck the Ohio Valley late Friday night, killing at least 14 people and injuring many more. Rescue crews worked into Saturday morning searching for victims amid devastated towns such as Somerset and London.
The Laurel County Fiscal Court confirmed multiple fatalities, reporting nine deaths and widespread destruction. The sheriff’s office stated that the tornado struck just before midnight, causing “major casualties” along its path through London and surrounding communities.
Emergency responders continued to search destroyed buildings. In a heartbreaking story, a survivor named Leslie described how her husband shielded their daughter as the storm ripped through their home. “You could feel the air being sucked in like a train,” she said.
Despite severe damage to their car and home, Leslie’s family survived. “My family is okay. I don’t know about everyone else,” she added, mentioning she saw injured neighbors.
Major damage was also reported around London-Corbin Airport, Jackson Wilderness Road Park, and several city sectors.