Severe storms swept through the Midwest on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction, at least seven people dead, and many more injured.
Missouri was hit especially hard by the powerful weather system, which included at least one possible tornado and caused widespread damage to buildings, trees, and power lines. Rescue teams continued searching buildings for anyone trapped or hurt after the violent storms tore through cities and towns.
The storms were part of a larger severe weather event that affected several states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Missouri. The Great Lakes region faced hundreds of thousands of power outages, while Texas battled an intense heat wave at the same time.
In Missouri’s St. Louis area, the storms tore roofs off buildings, shattered windows, and ripped bricks off walls. Trees and power lines were uprooted, causing massive disruptions. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed five deaths in the city alone.
She added that more than 5,000 homes had been damaged and around 100,000 customers were left without electricity on Friday night. Spencer described the situation as “truly, truly devastating” and said the city was preparing to declare an emergency.
An overnight curfew was put in place in the hardest-hit neighborhoods to protect residents and support recovery efforts.
Emergency rooms at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital treated dozens of patients from the storm, with some in serious condition. Fortunately, most injuries were not life-threatening, and many were expected to be released soon.
Radar from the National Weather Service showed a tornado touchdown in Clayton, Missouri, near Forest Park, home to landmarks like the St. Louis Zoo and the site of the 1904 World’s Fair.
At Centennial Christian Church, a section of the building collapsed, trapping three people and leading to at least one death. Among the victims was Patricia Penelton, a beloved church volunteer known for her involvement in the choir and other church activities.
Local residents described the terrifying moments as powerful winds and noise battered the area, leaving behind debris and destruction. Traffic was heavily impacted by downed trees and damaged stoplights, prompting officials to urge people to stay home.
The damage extended to popular local businesses, such as the Harlem Taproom, where bricks from the upper floors were scattered around after the storm. Luckily, no injuries were reported there. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Zoo closed temporarily due to downed trees and other damage, though all animals and staff were safe.
Further south, in Scott County, Missouri, two people died, and several others were injured when a tornado tore through the area, destroying multiple homes. Local officials praised first responders for their quick action during the storm.
Severe weather alerts were issued across the Midwest and Appalachia, warning residents of possible tornadoes, large hail, and hurricane-force winds. Illinois even experienced a rare tornado emergency, the highest warning level, as a confirmed tornado threatened the area. Meanwhile, a dust storm swept across parts of the Chicago region, reducing visibility and adding to the chaos.
Officials in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, and Ohio prepared for more intense storms, with some expecting hail as large as baseballs and damaging winds over 75 mph. Utility companies mobilized crews to assist with power restoration efforts in the aftermath.
While the Midwest faced storm damage, Texas endured a punishing heat wave, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in cities like San Antonio and Austin. The National Weather Service issued heat advisories, urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
The storms were fueled by warm temperatures combined with a cold front moving through the region, setting the stage for the severe weather outbreak. As of Friday night, many power outages remained, with crews working through the weekend to restore electricity and clear debris.
These storms serve as a grim reminder of the Midwest’s vulnerability to severe weather events and the importance of emergency preparedness as communities recover and rebuild.
