St. Louis Tornado: Fatalities, Power Outages & Major Damage

The Tornado’s Path and Impact: St. Louis Tornado

The tornado touched down in the suburb of Clayton, Missouri, around 2:30 p.m., moving rapidly through Forest Park and towards the north side of downtown St. Louis. Radar data confirmed the presence of a tornado, with debris being lofted high into the atmosphere, indicating a strength of EF2 to EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Wind speeds were estimated to reach up to 150 mph, causing extensive damage along its path .TNJNational Weather Service

Significant landmarks and institutions were affected. The St. Louis Zoo sustained structural damage, leading to its temporary closure, although no injuries to animals or staff were reported . Washington University and the MetroLink light rail line also experienced disruptions due to the storm.New York Post

Casualties and Injuries

The tornado resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals. One fatality occurred at the Centennial Christian Church, where part of the structure collapsed, trapping and injuring several people . Emergency responders conducted building-by-building searches to rescue those trapped and assess the extent of injuries .AP News+15FOX Weather+15Reuters+15AP News

Power Outages and Infrastructure Damage

The storm caused widespread power outages, with over 115,000 Ameren customers left without electricity as of Friday evening . The damage to power lines and infrastructure was extensive, leading to prolonged restoration efforts. Residents reported downed trees and debris blocking roads, complicating recovery operations .AP News+2STLPR+2The Telegraph+2Reddit

Emergency Response and Community Support

In response to the disaster, city officials imposed a curfew in the most affected areas from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. to ensure public safety and prevent looting . Approximately 500 first responders, including 17 specialized search teams, were deployed to assist with rescue and recovery efforts.Reuters

The American Red Cross opened two shelters in St. Louis to provide temporary housing for those displaced by the storm . Community members also came together to aid in cleanup efforts, removing debris and assisting neighbors in need .stlouis-mo.govSTLPR

Ongoing Weather Concerns

The National Weather Service has warned of continued severe weather in the region, with the potential for additional tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds through the weekend . Residents are advised to stay informed through local news outlets and official weather channels.The Guardian

Safety Measures and Resources

For those affected by the tornado, the following resources are available:

• Power Outages: Report outages or downed power lines to Ameren at 800-552-7583 or visit their Outage Center.Ameren+2stlouis-mo.gov+2stlouis-mo.gov+2
• Shelter: The American Red Cross has established shelters for displaced individuals. Details can be found on the City of St. Louis website.stlouis-mo.gov
• Emergency Services: For immediate assistance, call 9-1-1.stlouis-mo.gov

Conclusion

The St. Louis tornado of May 16, 2025, stands as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness. As the community begins the process of recovery, the resilience and solidarity of its residents will be crucial in rebuilding and healing.