Severe weather over the weekend has resulted in at least 25 fatalities in Missouri and Kentucky, with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reporting the death toll rising from 14 to 18 due to a powerful tornado thought to have reached EF3 strength. Most victims, 17, were from Laurel County, with one firefighter among the deceased. Additionally, one fatality occurred in Pulaski County. In Missouri, officials noted seven weather-related deaths, including five in St. Louis County and two in Scott County.
Governor Beshear emphasized the tragedy of the devastation, highlighting homes reduced to rubble and the ongoing rescue efforts. Currently, 10 individuals in Kentucky remain in critical condition due to injuries sustained during the storms.
In Kentucky, cleanup efforts have begun, particularly in areas like Sunshine Hills, which suffered extensive damage. Hospitals in St. Louis reported treating over 60 patients, including 15 children, with two in critical condition. Most patients have since been discharged.
Mayor Cara Spencer of St. Louis stated that the severe weather impacted approximately 5,000 buildings, with two tornadoes confirmed in the area on Friday. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem reached out to state governors to offer federal assistance and resources for recovery efforts. Federal forecasters indicated that the severe weather was caused by a clash between warm and cold air masses as an east-moving system developed. Over 63,000 utility customers in Missouri and about 58,000 in Kentucky were left without power on Saturday due to the storms. The National Weather Service confirmed that 28 tornadoes had been reported on Friday alone.
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