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Sunday, May 18, 2025
Outside the box.
Severe Storms Lead to Casualties and Destruction Across the Midwest
At least 20 fatalities reported in Kentucky and Missouri as tornadoes wreak havoc in multiple states.
Severe storm systems have swept across the Midwest United States, resulting in over 20 confirmed fatalities, primarily in Kentucky and Missouri.
On Friday, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reported that 18 of the deaths occurred in his state, with at least nine attributed to a tornado that caused what has been described by authorities as a mass casualty event in southeastern Kentucky.
Randall Weddle, the mayor of London, Kentucky, indicated that local emergency officials in Laurel County suggested the death toll could rise to as high as 23. Severe injuries were also reported as the tornado struck Laurel County shortly before midnight on Friday.
Rescue efforts were ongoing, with the sheriff's office stating that searches for survivors were continuing in the affected areas.
“The search is continuing in the damaged area for survivors,” stated John Root, the sheriff of Laurel County.
Gilbert Acciardo, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office, confirmed that rescuers had been tirelessly working through the night.
Friday's storms were part of a larger weather system that impacted multiple states.
The severe weather also caused seven fatalities in Missouri, where a tornado was confirmed to have touched down in St. Louis, resulting in significant destruction.
Mayor Cara Spencer of St. Louis reported five deaths in her city, with over 5,000 homes affected.
The city is in the process of declaring a local emergency and had imposed an overnight curfew in the most damaged neighborhoods.
Hospital reports indicate that Barnes-Jewish Hospital treated between 20 to 30 patients for storm-related injuries, with some in serious condition; most patients were expected to be discharged by the end of the night.
Additionally, St. Louis Children’s Hospital received 15 patients, with two expected to remain hospitalized through the weekend.
National Weather Service radar data indicated that the tornado in St. Louis touched down between 2:30 PM and 2:50 PM, impacting areas near Forest Park, which is home to the St. Louis Zoo.
During the storm, three individuals were rescued from the Centennial Christian Church, where part of the structure collapsed; one individual did not survive.
Community members shared personal accounts of the storm’s devastation.
Stacy Clark recounted that his mother-in-law, a dedicated church volunteer, was among those who died in the church.
Nearby resident Jeffrey Simmons Sr. described the moment the storm hit, recalling a frantic atmosphere as he and his brother sought shelter.
The storm led to widespread disruption, with downed trees and traffic signals causing gridlock on local roads.
Authorities advised residents to stay home due to hazardous conditions.
Compounding the effects of the storm, a tornado also struck Scott County, about 130 miles south of St. Louis, resulting in two additional fatalities and numerous injuries while causing significant property damage.
As recovery efforts continue, local officials remain focused on assessing the full extent of damage and providing aid to affected communities.
On Friday, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reported that 18 of the deaths occurred in his state, with at least nine attributed to a tornado that caused what has been described by authorities as a mass casualty event in southeastern Kentucky.
Randall Weddle, the mayor of London, Kentucky, indicated that local emergency officials in Laurel County suggested the death toll could rise to as high as 23. Severe injuries were also reported as the tornado struck Laurel County shortly before midnight on Friday.
Rescue efforts were ongoing, with the sheriff's office stating that searches for survivors were continuing in the affected areas.
“The search is continuing in the damaged area for survivors,” stated John Root, the sheriff of Laurel County.
Gilbert Acciardo, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office, confirmed that rescuers had been tirelessly working through the night.
Friday's storms were part of a larger weather system that impacted multiple states.
The severe weather also caused seven fatalities in Missouri, where a tornado was confirmed to have touched down in St. Louis, resulting in significant destruction.
Mayor Cara Spencer of St. Louis reported five deaths in her city, with over 5,000 homes affected.
The city is in the process of declaring a local emergency and had imposed an overnight curfew in the most damaged neighborhoods.
Hospital reports indicate that Barnes-Jewish Hospital treated between 20 to 30 patients for storm-related injuries, with some in serious condition; most patients were expected to be discharged by the end of the night.
Additionally, St. Louis Children’s Hospital received 15 patients, with two expected to remain hospitalized through the weekend.
National Weather Service radar data indicated that the tornado in St. Louis touched down between 2:30 PM and 2:50 PM, impacting areas near Forest Park, which is home to the St. Louis Zoo.
During the storm, three individuals were rescued from the Centennial Christian Church, where part of the structure collapsed; one individual did not survive.
Community members shared personal accounts of the storm’s devastation.
Stacy Clark recounted that his mother-in-law, a dedicated church volunteer, was among those who died in the church.
Nearby resident Jeffrey Simmons Sr. described the moment the storm hit, recalling a frantic atmosphere as he and his brother sought shelter.
The storm led to widespread disruption, with downed trees and traffic signals causing gridlock on local roads.
Authorities advised residents to stay home due to hazardous conditions.
Compounding the effects of the storm, a tornado also struck Scott County, about 130 miles south of St. Louis, resulting in two additional fatalities and numerous injuries while causing significant property damage.
As recovery efforts continue, local officials remain focused on assessing the full extent of damage and providing aid to affected communities.
