At least 25 lives have been claimed by fierce tornadoes that ravaged sections of Kentucky and Missouri, leaving a trail of destruction. Kentucky officials report 18 fatalities, while Missouri accounts for seven, including five from St. Louis. This catastrophic weather event struck Laurel County, Kentucky, in the early hours of Saturday, and authorities fear the death count may rise as search operations continue.
In Missouri, over 5,000 structures have suffered damage, with numerous roofs ripped off and power lines brought down, affecting around 140,000 residences in the region. As of Saturday afternoon, crews were working tirelessly to restore power and assess damage, following the storm's severe impact on the infrastructure.
St. Louis mayor Cara Spencer reported at least 38 injuries mostly stemming from collapsing buildings and fallen trees. She confirmed that the city's fire department was actively conducting house-to-house searches in the hardest-hit neighborhoods. During these efforts, a portion of Centennial Christian Church collapsed, resulting in three rescues and one fatality.
With safety concerns ongoing, a curfew from 9 PM to 6 AM was enforced in severely affected areas to minimize risks from debris and deter potential looting. Mayor Spencer expressed deep sorrow over the lost lives and the extent of destruction, emphasizing that the community's priority was to ensure safety and facilitate recovery.
The US National Weather Service noted that tornado activity also extended to neighboring Illinois and warned of more potential storms across northern Texas as severe weather patterns move eastward. Tornadoes have a notorious history in the region, known as "Tornado Alley," which typically experiences these events most frequently in late spring. Historically, Kentucky averages five tornadoes each May since 2000, while Missouri sees about 16.
Residents in affected areas are encouraged to reach out with their experiences, prioritizing their safety amidst the recovery efforts.
