On Friday, May 16, 2025, a powerful tornado tore through the St. Louis metropolitan area, resulting in the tragic loss of at least five lives and causing extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.(CBS News)
🌀 Tornado Overview
The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado touched down around 2:30 p.m., impacting areas including Clayton, University City, and the Central West End. Wind speeds reached up to 60 mph, accompanied by hail measuring 2.5 inches in diameter .(STLPR, The Weather Channel)
🏚️ Impacted Areas and Damage
The tornado's path left a trail of destruction across several neighborhoods.
Table 1: Affected Areas and Notable Damage
| Location | Notable Damage |
|---|---|
| Clayton | Downed trees and power lines |
| University City | Structural damage to buildings |
| Central West End | Roofs torn off, debris scattered across streets |
| Centennial Christian Church | Partial collapse, resulting in one fatality |
| Harlem Tap Room | Building collapse; all 20 occupants rescued safely |
In total, over 5,000 homes sustained damage, and power outages affected more than 100,000 residents .(CBS News)
🧍 Casualties and Injuries
Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed five fatalities resulting from the storm. Among them, one individual died due to the collapse at Centennial Christian Church. St. Louis Children's Hospital reported treating ten patients, with one in critical condition .(CBS News, The Weather Channel, Wikipedia)
🚧 Emergency Response and Safety Measures
In response to the disaster, the city implemented a 9 p.m. curfew in the most affected areas to facilitate emergency operations and ensure public safety. Residents were urged to stay off the roads and limit cell phone use to emergencies, as services were disrupted .(CBS News)
📊 Summary of Key Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fatalities | 5 confirmed |
| Injuries | At least 10 reported |
| Homes Damaged | Over 5,000 |
| Power Outages | Approximately 100,000 customers affected |
| Wind Speeds | Up to 60 mph |
| Hail Size | Up to 2.5 inches in diameter |
🗣️ Community Impact and Recovery Efforts
The St. Louis community faces a challenging recovery period. Emergency services continue to assess the damage and assist those affected. Residents are encouraged to report damages and seek assistance through official city channels .(The Telegraph)
📞 Resources and Assistance
For those in need of support or wishing to contribute to relief efforts, please contact local emergency services or visit the City of St. Louis's official website for more information.