Deadly Tornado Strikes St. Louis: May 16, 2025
Yes, a significant tornado impacted St. Louis, Missouri, on Friday, May 16, 2025. The storm resulted in at least five fatalities and caused extensive property damage across the region. Approximately 5,000 properties were affected, with roofs torn off, power lines downed, and significant structural damage reported.
The National Weather Service confirmed that at least six tornadoes touched down in Missouri and Illinois during the storm, including a particularly destructive twister in St. Louis. The storm also led to widespread power outages, affecting over 100,000 customers, and prompted the closure of the St. Louis Zoo, though no animals or staff were harmed.
In response to the devastation, the city imposed a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the most affected districts to ensure safety and prevent looting. Emergency personnel, including 17 specialized search teams, were deployed to assist in recovery efforts.
Currently, there are no active tornado warnings in effect for the St. Louis area. The weather has cleared, with mostly clear skies and a temperature of 69°F (20°C). The forecast indicates breezy conditions this morning, becoming less humid in the afternoon.
For ongoing updates and safety information, residents are advised to monitor local news outlets and the National Weather Service.
Deadly Tornado Strikes St. Louis: May 16, 2025
On Friday, May 16, 2025, a powerful tornado devastated parts of St. Louis, Missouri, resulting in at least seven fatalities and widespread destruction across the region. The storm, part of a broader severe weather system, prompted urgent rescues and left thousands without power.(Reuters)
A Devastating Storm
The National Weather Service confirmed that a radar-indicated tornado moved through western parts of St. Louis, including Clayton and the Central West End, on Friday afternoon. The storm caused significant damage to trees, power lines, and debris on roadways. Notably, the Harlem Tap Room bar, with 20 people inside, and part of the Centennial Christian Church, with three people inside, collapsed. Fortunately, all individuals were rescued, though one of the church survivors later died. Ameren reported more than 100,000 customers without power in the city. MetroLink canceled Red Line service between Wellston and Central West End stations and Blue Line service between Maplewood-Manchester and Central West End stations. The tornado was likely of EF2–EF3 intensity, based on the height of lofted debris. (Wikipedia)
Widespread Damage and Casualties
At least seven people died, and authorities were searching from building to building for individuals who were trapped or injured. The storm caused extensive damage from Clayton to north St. Louis, with numerous injuries reported. The hardest-hit areas in St. Louis County included Black Jack, Bridgeton, Florissant, and Hazelwood. Emergency crews worked through the night to assess damage and remove downed power lines and trees. Ameren reported that 103,377 of its Missouri customers and 30,934 of its Illinois customers were without power as of Saturday morning. (AP News, STLPR, STLPR)
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
In response to the devastation, the city imposed a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the most affected districts to ensure safety and prevent looting. Emergency personnel, including 17 specialized search teams, were deployed to assist in recovery efforts. The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings for several counties in Missouri and Illinois, including St. Louis County, and continues to assess the damage. (STLPR)
Looking Ahead
As of Saturday, May 17, the weather has cleared, with mostly clear skies and a temperature of 69°F (20°C). The forecast indicates breezy conditions this morning, becoming less humid in the afternoon. Residents are advised to monitor local news outlets and the National Weather Service for ongoing updates and safety information.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of severe weather.