Powerful tornadoes swept through parts of the U.S. Midwest over the weekend, killing at least 25 people and injuring many more across Kentucky and Missouri, destroying entire neighborhoods and displacing hundreds.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that 18 deaths occurred in the state, with 17 in Laurel County alone and one in Pulaski County. The Kentucky tornado was identified as an EF5, the highest rating for tornado intensity. Missouri also suffered heavily, with at least seven fatalities, including five in St. Louis and two in Scott County. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer described the devastation as “truly horrendous,” with 5,000 buildings damaged and 38 people injured.
The storms were part of a broader spring weather system sweeping across the U.S. Midwest and Ohio River Valley, spawning multiple tornadoes and severe thunderstorms stretching from Texas to the Atlantic Coast. Illinois and Virginia also reported tornadoes and storm-related deaths.
