Reports indicate that Kentucky suffered 18 fatalities, while Missouri confirmed seven deaths, including five in St. Louis alone. The devastation unfolded in the early hours of Saturday when a tornado hit Laurel County, Kentucky. As rescue operations continue, officials fear the death toll may rise.
In Missouri, tornadoes inflicted severe damage to around 5,000 structures, with roofs torn off and power lines downed. Approximately 140,000 properties across Missouri and Kentucky were left without electricity as of Saturday afternoon. In the hardest-hit areas of St. Louis, fire department teams are conducting thorough house-by-house checks for survivors, with reports of at least 38 injuries linked to collapsed buildings and fallen trees.
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer provided a grim update, emphasizing the gravity of the situation as authorities worked diligently to ensure community safety. A curfew from 9 PM to 6 AM has been put in place in the regions most affected to mitigate risks associated with debris and potential looting.
National Weather Service radar indicated that the tornado began its destructive path near Forest Park in St. Louis, home to the renowned St. Louis Zoo. Significant weather warnings extend to neighboring states, with expectations of additional tornadoes in northern Texas due to ongoing severe storm conditions.
The affected areas fall within the notorious "Tornado Alley," where such weather phenomena are most prevalent. Kentucky typically sees about five tornadoes each May, while Missouri averages around 16, highlighting the region's susceptibility to these natural disasters.
