A powerful spring storm system swept through the U.S. Midwest and Ohio River Valley overnight, spawning deadly tornadoes that devastated communities in Kentucky and Missouri. As of Saturday, at least 25 people have been confirmed dead, and officials are working to assess the full extent of the destruction.
Widespread Destruction in Kentucky
Kentucky was hit particularly hard. Laurel County, located about 80 miles south of Lexington, saw at least 17 fatalities when a tornado struck around midnight. Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency and called the event “another tough morning for Kentucky after a night of deadly weather.”
Pulaski County reported another fatality, bringing the state’s death toll to at least 18. Aerial footage revealed entire neighborhoods in Laurel County reduced to splinters, with cars and trucks left mangled in the tornado’s wake.
Local authorities described the event in grim terms. Laurel County Sheriff John Root labeled it a “mass casualty event,” noting numerous injuries and ongoing search-and-rescue operations. According to Gilbert Acciardo of the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, 22 families whose homes were completely destroyed have been moved to emergency shelters. He identified the tornado as an EF5 — the highest rating for tornado strength.
The destruction has drawn comparisons to the catastrophic tornado that struck Mayfield, Kentucky in December 2021, which killed 22 people in Graves County alone.
St. Louis Tornado Kills 5, Damages Thousands of Properties
In Missouri, Governor Mike Kehoe also declared a state of emergency. A tornado ripped through St. Louis, claiming five lives, injuring 38, and damaging roughly 5,000 properties, according to Mayor Cara Spencer.
Spencer, who was sworn in as mayor just a month ago, said, “The loss of life and the destruction is truly, truly horrendous.” The tornado ripped off roofs, downed power lines, and tore through a major roadway during rush hour.
Local resident Joan Miller narrowly escaped injury when the storm hit her home. “The wind started, the tree out front was shaking so violently,” she said. “And suddenly all the doors shut, the windows flew out from the bedroom … the entire back of my house … you can see straight into the alley now.”
Two more deaths occurred in Scott County in southeastern Missouri, bringing the state’s death toll to at least seven.
Additional Impacts Across the Region
Severe weather extended beyond Kentucky and Missouri. Thunderstorms were reported across the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio Valleys, with at least six tornadoes touching down in Missouri and Illinois. Another tornado was reported in New Jersey.
In Virginia, two people were killed in separate incidents in Fairfax County when trees fell on their vehicles during a storm.
Federal Support Mobilized
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that she had spoken with the governors of Missouri, Kentucky, and Illinois, offering federal assistance. “While emergency management is best led by local authorities, we reinforced that DHS stands ready to take immediate action to offer resources and support,” she said.
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