Tornadoes ripped through Missouri and Kentucky, killing at least 21 people and injuring dozens more between Friday and Saturday morning. Governor Andy Beshear confirmed 14 deaths in his state and warned that the deaths may continue rising.
Sheriff John Root reports that a tornado struck Laurel County, Kentucky, late Friday, resulting in significant damage and serious injuries. Overnight, emergency personnel searched affected neighborhoods and rescued stranded people from homes and structures that had collapsed.
Missouri officials confirmed Saturday that seven storm-related fatalities were reported, including five in St. Louis County and two more in Scott County. According to Louis Mayor Cara Spencer, the storm caused at least 38 injuries and 5,000 building damages over 20 decimated city blocks.
Search-and-rescue teams, assisted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, went door-to-door looking for survivors amid widespread wreckage. A man was rescued from the rubble of his home after hours of work, and fire officials called it a miracle.
Hospitals reported treating over 60 patients; two children remained in critical condition at St. Louis Children’s Hospital on Saturday morning. Officials said power outages affected more than 140,000 customers in Missouri and Kentucky as emergency crews assessed damage.
Historic landmarks like Harlem Tap Room suffered significant damage, and locals narrowly avoided injury by taking shelter during the tornado. At least one EF-3 tornado with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph was recorded in St. Louis by the National Weather Service, causing significant damage.
Flash flooding, large hail, and damaging winds threaten parts of the Central U.S., as more storms move across Texas and New England. On Saturday, a tornado watch remained active across several states as unstable air fueled by clashing storm systems continued to build.
The storm shut down parks, displaced residents, and enforced curfews in Missouri’s most impacted neighborhoods to prevent looting and ensure safety. As the Midwest faces more storms, rescue workers continue searching for survivors and hope the deaths won’t grow.
