At least 25 people have lost their lives and many others are injured after a severe tornado outbreak swept through Kentucky and Missouri, causing widespread destruction. Officials in Kentucky have confirmed 18 fatalities, while Missouri authorities reported 7 deaths, including 5 individuals in St. Louis.
The storm hit Laurel County, Kentucky, in the early hours of Saturday, with officials warning that the number of casualties could increase as rescue operations are still ongoing. Missouri has reported significant structural damage with 5,000 buildings affected, roofs torn off, and power lines downed. As of Saturday evening, around 140,000 properties across both states were without electricity.
In St. Louis, emergency responders are conducting house-to-house searches in severely impacted areas. Mayor Cara Spencer announced that at least 38 people sustained injuries mainly from collapsing structures and fallen trees. "The devastation and the loss of life is truly horrendous," she said, emphasizing that her community has a long road ahead in recovery efforts.
Radar data indicated that the tornado first touched down in Missouri shortly after 2:30 PM local time near Forest Park, a renowned site for recreation and history. Significant incidents included the collapse of the Centennial Christian Church, necessitating rescue operations, which unfortunately resulted in one death.
To ensure safety amid ongoing risks, a curfew has been implemented from 9 PM to 6 AM in the hardest-hit regions to prevent injuries from debris and discourage looting. The storm system that produced these tornadoes also affected neighboring Illinois, with warnings issued for potential additional tornadoes in northern Texas over the weekend.
This tornado outbreak has hit what is commonly known as "Tornado Alley," which typically sees its peak tornado activity in May and June, though storms can occur year-round. Kentucky averages about five tornadoes every May, while Missouri sees around sixteen.
Residents and authorities remain focused on search and rescue, striving to provide aid and support in the wake of this tragic event.
