A tornado tore through the St. Louis metro area Friday afternoon, bringing significant damage, large hail, and destructive winds up to 60 mph. The storm, which had already produced confirmed 2.5-inch hail, left a trail of destruction as it moved rapidly through the city..
At least five people were killed and dozens of others were injured Friday after a storm caused significant damage in the metro area. :
The storm was part of a system that has millions of people across several states on alert for the potential of tornadoes, damaging wind and large hail.
St. Louis Mayor Cayor Spencer shared Friday evening in a press conference that at least five storm-related fatalities have been confirmed and implemented a city-wide curfew as over 5,000 homes were affected by the storms. The tornadoes were part of widespread severe weather across several states moving through the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, unleashing large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes, including some strong ones.
Multiple buildings were damaged in St. Louis, including Centennial Christian Church. The City of St. Louis Fire Department Battalion Chief William Pollihan told The Associated Press that three people had to be rescued after part of the church crumbled, with one of those people dying.
The number of injured was undetermined as officials said they were still gathering information from several hospitals where people were taken.
The city imposed a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (0200-1100 GMT) in two police districts where most of the damage took place to prevent injuries from dangerous debris and reduce the potential for looting.
The storms Friday afternoon tore roofs off buildings, blew out windows, ripped bricks off siding and yanked up trees and power lines. St Louis Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed five deaths in her city and said more than 5,000 homes were affected and about 100,000 customers remained without electricity on Friday night.
About 500 first responders, including 17 search teams, were deployed, and early indications suggested the number of injured was relatively small considering the overall damage, Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson said.
The National Weather Service reported at least half a dozen tornadoes touching down in Missouri and neighboring Illinois and other severe weather stretching all the way to the Atlantic Coast, including another tornado in New Jersey.
Accuweather warned that from Friday to Saturday, some 150 million Americans could potentially be affected by severe weather.
Team Dominator chased 4-5 tornadoes on a LONG-TRACK supercell from the Ozark Mountains of Missouri through Kentucky. We also saw the Sikeston, MO #tornado but I was driving the Dominator 3. These are the Kentucky tornadoes.
— Reed Timmer, PhD (@ReedTimmerUSA) May 17, 2025
This supercell sadly went on to cause significant… pic.twitter.com/dkN1C2OTNx
Across the mid-Mississippi, Tennessee and Ohio valleys, severe thunderstorm outbreaks are expected to last from Friday till at least Sunday with the possibility of a few intense supercells, a type of thunderstorm that contains a deep and persistent rotating updraft.
During the evening and overnight hours, the supercells may carry the potential for large hail and tornadoes, the NWS warned. According to the NWS, residents and travelers should remain aware of where the nearest storm shelter or safe place is, should severe thunderstorms approach.
A regional outbreak of severe thunderstorms is likely across parts of the middle Mississippi & Ohio Valleys Fri afternoon/Fri night. All hazards will be possible including tornadoes (some of which may be intense), damaging wind, and large hail. More info: https://t.co/QMmU4tBZDt pic.twitter.com/Kc5k7rsD2y
— NWS Storm Prediction Center (@NWSSPC) May 15, 2025
Safety Recommendations from Official Agencies : St Louis
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provide the following guidance for residents in tornado and severe storm risk areas:
- Stay informed: Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, local news, and weather apps for real-time updates.
- Have a plan: Identify a safe room or storm shelter in your home or workplace—ideally a basement or interior room with no windows.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Include essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and batteries.
- Avoid travel: During warnings, seek shelter immediately rather than driving, as roads may be dangerous.
- Secure outdoor items: Strong winds can turn unsecured objects into projectiles.
For more detailed preparedness information, visit official websites :
- National Weather Service
- NOAA Storm Prediction Center
- FEMA Severe Weather Safety
Tornado damage in Laurel County Kentucky
— Crime With Bobby (@CrimeWithBobby) May 17, 2025
Photo credit: Deputy Allen Turner pic.twitter.com/rYwh5a5q75