Tornados and storms kill 16 across US, devastate communities

A series of powerful storm systems swept across the Midwestern United States, leaving at least 16 people dead, including nine killed in southeastern Kentucky, according to The Guardian of Saturday, May 17, 2025.

This was reportedly after a tornado triggered what authorities described as a mass casualty event.

The deadly storms, which struck on Friday, caused widespread destruction across several states, leaving behind flattened homes, damaged infrastructure, and thousands without power.

In Kentucky’s Laurel County, the tornado touched down shortly before midnight, inflicting severe damage and injuries.

Authorities reported that emergency crews have been searching through the rubble for survivors ever since.

“The search is continuing in the damaged area for survivors,” said a statement from Sheriff John Root’s office.

Gilbert Acciardo, the office’s spokesperson, confirmed that rescue teams “have been on the ground all night looking for possible survivors.”

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear acknowledged the devastation, stating,

We know this is a tragic event,” and promised more information would be released as it became available.

The impact on local residents was profound. “Lives have been changed forever here tonight.

This is a time we come together, and we pray for this community,” said Randall Weddle, the mayor of London, Kentucky.

He added that he had never personally witnessed such a level of devastation.

The same storm system was responsible for seven more deaths in Missouri and spawned tornadoes in Wisconsin.

It also knocked out power to several hundred thousand people in the Great Lakes region and brought extreme heat to Texas.

In Missouri, particularly in St. Louis, the toll was especially high.

Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed five fatalities in the city, with more than 5,000 homes affected.

“This is truly, truly devastating,” Spencer said.

She announced an emergency declaration and implemented an overnight curfew in the hardest-hit neighborhoods.

The exact number of injured in Missouri was not immediately known, but hospitals in St. Louis saw a steady stream of patients.

Barnes-Jewish Hospital treated 20 to 30 individuals, with some in serious condition, though most were expected to be discharged by Friday night.

St. Louis Children’s Hospital received 15 pediatric patients, with two likely to remain hospitalized through the weekend.

The National Weather Service reported a tornado touched down in the St. Louis area, between 2:30 and 2:50 p.m.

According to media reports, it particularly affected Clayton and the Forest Park area.

These affected areas are home to major landmarks such as the St. Louis Zoo and the historic site of the 1904 World’s Fair and Olympic Games.

In one particularly tragic incident, part of the Centennial Christian Church in St. Louis collapsed during the storm.

Fire department officials said three people had to be rescued from the rubble, but one person did not survive.

Stacy Clark later confirmed that his mother-in-law, Patricia Penelton, died at the church.

She was an active member and choir volunteer.

Residents shared terrifying accounts of the storm’s arrival.

Jeffrey Simmons Sr, who lives near the church, said he received a weather alert just before the lights went out.

“And next thing you know, a lot of noise, heavy wind,” he said.

He and his brother took shelter in the basement.

Upon emerging, he realized the full extent of the destruction: “Everything was tore up.”

The storm caused traffic chaos during Friday’s afternoon rush hour, with downed trees and traffic lights snarling roads.

Officials urged residents to stay off the streets.

John Randle, a 19-year-old University of Missouri-St. Louis student, said he and his girlfriend were at the St. Louis Art Museum when they were rushed into the basement along with around 150 others.

“You could see the doors flying open, tree branches flying by and people running,” he said.

“A lot of people were caught outside.”

Damage extended to the St. Louis Zoo, which announced it would remain closed on Saturday due to fallen trees and other storm-related issues.

Zoo spokesperson Christy Childs confirmed all animals were safe, with no serious injuries to staff, visitors, or animals.

Elsewhere, in Scott County, Missouri, approximately 130 miles south of St. Louis, a tornado claimed two more lives.

Sheriff Derick Wheetley reported multiple homes were destroyed and several people injured.

The deadly weather system has left behind a trail of destruction and grief across multiple states.

Recovery efforts are reportedly now underway and communities rallying to support survivors and search for missing individuals.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook