Severe weather, including two possible tornadoes, swept through St. Louis, Missouri, on Friday afternoon, resulting in at least four fatalities. Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed this tragic news during a press conference, revealing that two of the victims were from North City, an area where a tornado vortex was reported. Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson noted the severe weather affected approximately 20 square blocks of the city.
The National Weather Service reported that one tornado touched down around 2:30 p.m. near Forest Park, moving east toward Granite City, Illinois. The exact strength of the tornado may not be determined until the weather service can assess the damage over the weekend. Reports suggest that the tornado may have been one of two that impacted the region that day.
St. Louis Children’s Hospital reported treating ten patients for weather-related injuries, with one in critical condition. At least two of the patients were reuniting with their families by late Friday. Rescue operations were underway for a man trapped in a severely damaged home, likely due to one of the tornadoes. It was reported he sought shelter inside the house, which sustained significant destruction.
Local authorities, including the St. Louis police, urged residents to stay indoors as emergency services responded to the aftermath of the storm. Spire, the regional energy utility, reported “severe damage” to homes, with videos showing toppled walls and downed power lines. City Hall in nearby Clayton was closed while responding to the situation. Although the worst of the storm passed by late afternoon, federal forecasters warned of possible thunderstorms returning on Saturday.
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