At least 28 killed as severe storms and tornadoes slam three US states
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It started as a typical spring system moving across the Midwest.
But by the time it was over, entire towns were left reeling.
With lives lost, homes destroyed, and power knocked out for hundreds of thousands, the damage was widespread and personal.
And now, communities across multiple states are left trying to pick up the pieces.
At least 28 people are confirmed dead after a series of powerful storms and tornadoes swept through Missouri, Kentucky, and Virginia.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that 19 deaths occurred in his state, including one woman from Russell County.
He called the disaster a time for unity, asking the public to “Please join Britainy and me in praying for the families who are hurting right now.”
The deadly storms struck on Friday, affecting a wide swath of the country from the Great Lakes to the South.
The weather system produced over two dozen tornadoes across Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.
It also caused widespread power outages and triggered a record-breaking heatwave in Texas.
Seven people died in Missouri and two in northern Virginia, bringing the current death toll to at least 28.
The toll may rise, as rescue teams are still searching for survivors in several areas.
In Laurel County, Kentucky, 18 deaths occurred after a tornado tore through the area just before midnight.
Authorities described severe injuries and ongoing efforts to locate any remaining survivors.
The Pulaski County fatality included a fire department major who was injured during the response.
Sheriff John Root's office confirmed that crews had worked through the night in dangerous conditions.
“This is a tragic event,” Beshear said, promising to release updates as more information became available.
Local leaders echoed his concern, including London Mayor Randall Weddle, who described the damage as devastating.
“Lives have been changed forever here tonight,” Weddle told WKYT-TV. “I have never personally witnessed what I’ve witnessed here tonight.”
In St. Louis, Missouri, Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed five deaths and said more than 5,000 homes had been damaged.
The city declared an emergency and enforced an overnight curfew in the most devastated neighborhoods.
Hospitals in the area received dozens of patients, including 15 at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where two remain hospitalized.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital reported 20 to 30 storm-related patients, some in serious condition.
In Clayton, Missouri, the National Weather Service reported a tornado touchdown between 2:30 and 2:50 p.m.
The tornado affected Forest Park, home to the St. Louis Zoo and historical sites from the 1904 World’s Fair.
At Centennial Christian Church, the storm collapsed part of the building, killing one person and injuring others.
Among the victims was Patricia Penelton, a dedicated church volunteer described as “very active” in the congregation.
In Scott County, Missouri, about 130 miles south of St. Louis, another tornado killed two people and destroyed multiple homes.
The storm caused chaos during the Friday afternoon commute, with downed trees and traffic lights leading to gridlock.
Residents like Jeffrey Simmons Sr. described sheltering in basements and emerging to find “everything was tore up.”
Others, like University of Missouri student John Randle, took cover in museums and public buildings with dozens of others.
The St. Louis Zoo reported downed trees and damage, but confirmed that all animals and staff are safe.
Elsewhere, experts raised questions about the impact of National Weather Service staffing shortages on emergency preparedness.
The NWS offices in Jackson and Louisville, Kentucky were both operating with 25% or more of their staff missing as of March 2025.
Beshear voiced concern but said he saw no evidence that the cuts affected this specific disaster response.
Read more:
Were you or someone you know affected by the recent storms? Do you think weather alerts and emergency systems are doing enough to keep communities safe? Share your thoughts in the comments—your story might help others prepare for the next extreme weather event.
But by the time it was over, entire towns were left reeling.
With lives lost, homes destroyed, and power knocked out for hundreds of thousands, the damage was widespread and personal.
And now, communities across multiple states are left trying to pick up the pieces.
At least 28 people are confirmed dead after a series of powerful storms and tornadoes swept through Missouri, Kentucky, and Virginia.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that 19 deaths occurred in his state, including one woman from Russell County.
He called the disaster a time for unity, asking the public to “Please join Britainy and me in praying for the families who are hurting right now.”
The deadly storms struck on Friday, affecting a wide swath of the country from the Great Lakes to the South.
At least 28 people are confirmed dead after a series of powerful storms and tornadoes swept through Missouri, Kentucky, and Virginia. Image source: CBS News / YouTube
The weather system produced over two dozen tornadoes across Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.
It also caused widespread power outages and triggered a record-breaking heatwave in Texas.
Seven people died in Missouri and two in northern Virginia, bringing the current death toll to at least 28.
The toll may rise, as rescue teams are still searching for survivors in several areas.
In Laurel County, Kentucky, 18 deaths occurred after a tornado tore through the area just before midnight.
Authorities described severe injuries and ongoing efforts to locate any remaining survivors.
The Pulaski County fatality included a fire department major who was injured during the response.
Sheriff John Root's office confirmed that crews had worked through the night in dangerous conditions.
“This is a tragic event,” Beshear said, promising to release updates as more information became available.
Local leaders echoed his concern, including London Mayor Randall Weddle, who described the damage as devastating.
“Lives have been changed forever here tonight,” Weddle told WKYT-TV. “I have never personally witnessed what I’ve witnessed here tonight.”
In St. Louis, Missouri, Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed five deaths and said more than 5,000 homes had been damaged.
The city declared an emergency and enforced an overnight curfew in the most devastated neighborhoods.
Hospitals in the area received dozens of patients, including 15 at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where two remain hospitalized.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital reported 20 to 30 storm-related patients, some in serious condition.
In Clayton, Missouri, the National Weather Service reported a tornado touchdown between 2:30 and 2:50 p.m.
The tornado affected Forest Park, home to the St. Louis Zoo and historical sites from the 1904 World’s Fair.
At Centennial Christian Church, the storm collapsed part of the building, killing one person and injuring others.
Among the victims was Patricia Penelton, a dedicated church volunteer described as “very active” in the congregation.
In Scott County, Missouri, about 130 miles south of St. Louis, another tornado killed two people and destroyed multiple homes.
The storm caused chaos during the Friday afternoon commute, with downed trees and traffic lights leading to gridlock.
Residents like Jeffrey Simmons Sr. described sheltering in basements and emerging to find “everything was tore up.”
Others, like University of Missouri student John Randle, took cover in museums and public buildings with dozens of others.
The St. Louis Zoo reported downed trees and damage, but confirmed that all animals and staff are safe.
Elsewhere, experts raised questions about the impact of National Weather Service staffing shortages on emergency preparedness.
The NWS offices in Jackson and Louisville, Kentucky were both operating with 25% or more of their staff missing as of March 2025.
Beshear voiced concern but said he saw no evidence that the cuts affected this specific disaster response.
Read more:
- Millions at risk: Is your town next in the path of a dangerous tornado outbreak?
- Hurricane season is heating up—here’s what forecasters want you to know
