Deadly thunderstorms raged through the Midwestern U.S., killing at least 20 people. In a secondary source mass casualty event, at least nine people died across multiple counties in southeastern Kentucky. Storm systems massively intensified, causing catastrophic destruction. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced that 14 of the dead were Kentuckians, highlighting the substantial loss suffered by the commonwealth’s eastern region.
The extreme weather hit on late Friday, with a tornado touching down in Laurel County, Kentucky, shortly before the stroke of midnight. The storm’s violent winds uprooted trees and damaged structures and infrastructure, leaving communities struggling to recover in its wake. In Scott County, about 130 miles south of St. Louis, another tornado claimed two lives and left several others injured.
In St. Louis, Mayor Cara Spencer announced five deaths inside the St. Louis city limits as a result of the storm. All the destruction was interrupted only by trees. It affected more than 5,000 residential structures and created very extensive disruptions to traffic along the Friday afternoon rush hour. Downed trees and traffic signals made for deadly gridlock as rescuers implored residents to stay home while rescue and recovery efforts were underway.
The St. Louis Children’s Hospital at Washington University received 15 patients for injuries related to the storm. Two of those people are expected to remain hospitalized through the weekend. Emergency responders froze a chaotic rescue scene inside the Centennial Christian Church. This move came after most of the main building had partially collapsed under the tornado’s destructive force.
John Randle, a 19-year-old student from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, recounted his experience:
“You could see the doors flying open, tree branches flying by and people running.”
The emergency situation is still evolving in Kentucky, but as of today local officials are reporting life threatening injuries and major destruction in Laurel County. Randall Weddle, the mayor of London, Kentucky, expressed his sorrow for the affected community:
“Lives have been changed forever here tonight. This is a time we come together, and we pray for this community.”
Now, recovery efforts are just beginning. As the situation surrounding these tragic events continues to develop, we are working closely with Governor Beshear’s office to deliver any updates from the Governor’s office. He continued by underscoring the need for support from the community as we all navigate this unprecedented time together.
St. Louis’ local zoo, the world-renowned St. Louis Zoo, announced it would remain closed on Saturday. This decision was influenced by the action of downed trees and other hazards. The tornado passed directly over the zoo’s home city of Forest Park. While this is a positive change, it puts into question the safety of all visitors to the area.
Meanwhile, authorities are still working to get a complete picture of the damage across both states and continuing to coordinate emergency response efforts. And while FEMA assistance will help, their impacts — from flooding homes to destroying small businesses — can never be totally erased and needs time and investment to heal.