As tornadoes swept through the Midwest, authorities report at least 25 dead and significant destruction across Missouri and Kentucky, prompting searches for survivors and assessments of damage.
At least 25 fatalities reported as tornadoes devastate parts of the Midwest
At least 25 fatalities reported as tornadoes devastate parts of the Midwest
Tragic tornadoes claim lives and cause extensive damage across Kentucky and Missouri.
At least 25 fatalities have been confirmed following a string of tornadoes that ravaged Kentucky and Missouri, leaving a trail of devastation and injury. Kentucky officials reported 18 deaths, while Missouri's count stands at 7, including five in St. Louis.
The tornado made its presence felt in Laurel County, Kentucky, during the early hours of Saturday, and local authorities are bracing for the possibility of an increased death toll as recovery efforts unfold. In Missouri, officials report that around 5,000 structures sustained damage, coupled with widespread disruptions including downed power lines.
As of Saturday afternoon, 140,000 residents in both states remain without electricity. St. Louis officials are conducting thorough searches for survivors, particularly in the areas most heavily impacted by the disasters. Mayor Cara Spencer provided updates indicating that 38 residents have suffered injuries, predominantly from fallen debris and damaged infrastructures like collapsed buildings.
The tornado reportedly touched down in Missouri around 2:30 PM local time, affecting regions close to notable sites such as Forest Park. The St. Louis Fire Department executed rescues at the Centennial Christian Church, where one person tragically lost their life following a collapse.
To safeguard the community amid the dangers posed by debris, authorities have imposed a curfew from 9 PM to 6 AM. Mayor Spencer expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and the magnitude of destruction, affirming that the community's immediate priority is to ensure safety and facilitate grief.
The National Weather Service warned that neighboring Illinois also experienced tornado activity, with severe weather potentially extending to the Atlantic coast. They also cautioned about further tornado risks in northern Texas related to ongoing severe storm patterns.
Tornadoes generally prevail in the Midwest region known as "Tornado Alley," which experiences its peak incidence during May and June each year. Statistically, Kentucky has seen an average of five tornado occurrences per May since 2000, while Missouri reports an approximate average of 16.
