Severe storms that tore through parts of Missouri, Virginia and Kentucky have left at least 27 people dead. Now, officials are warning the toll could climb as search and rescue efforts continue.
In Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed Saturday, May 17, that 18 people were killed across the state, including 12 in Laurel County, where local officials said a tornado touched down. Beshear said the death toll is expected to rise as crews sift through debris. Two people are reportedly dead in Virginia.
“I have spoken directly to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FEMA officials, and we’ve had a situational report with the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs,” Beshear said in a post on X.
In Missouri, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer said five people were killed, 38 others injured and more than 5,000 homes affected. The damage stretched across 20 square blocks. “The devastation is truly tremendous,” Spencer said. “As a city, we are grieving.”
Gov. Mike Kehoe, speaking at a press conference Saturday, said the state is coordinating with FEMA and federal officials to deliver aid. He also spoke with Noem about the situation.
First responders in both states continued search and rescue operations Saturday, combing through wreckage to ensure no one is unaccounted for. In St. Louis, a citywide curfew was imposed in the hardest-hit areas from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
“We have a lot of work left to do,” said St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson. “We will make sure we do a clean sweep of all of these buildings. We will not leave any stone unturned.”
Late Saturday afternoon, the National Weather Service confirmed a tornado did hit St. Louis on Friday. According to The St. Louis Post Dispatch, preliminary reporting rates the tornado at EF-3. The tornado also hit Forest Park, home to the St. Louis Zoo and the site of the 1904 World’s Fair. The zoo remained closed Saturday for cleanup. In a Facebook post, officials reported no serious injuries to people or animals.
Beshear pledged that all available state resources would be used to support recovery efforts. “Our hearts go out to all the families who have lost loved ones,” he said. “We will rebuild and come back stronger.”
Red Cross shelters have been established across the most affected areas to provide food, water and medical assistance to displaced residents. Local businesses and volunteers have stepped in to offer temporary housing and essential supplies.
“We must stand together and support one another as we navigate the aftermath of this disaster,” Kehoe said.
Death toll updated at 4:50pm May 17, 2025
