A powerful storm tore through the St. Louis area on Friday, May 16, 2025 — and honestly, it was one of the worst we've seen in a while. Tornadoes touched down in several places, and the damage is pretty serious. Homes were destroyed, trees ripped out of the ground, and thousands of people are still without electricity. Sadly, the storm also took lives, and many others were injured. It's been a tough time for a lot of families.
Areas That Got Hit the Worst
Some neighborhoods got it really bad. In places like Clayton, tornadoes caused major destruction — buildings were damaged, roofs ripped off, and roads left full of debris. University City also saw a lot of homes and streets messed up. Then there’s Florissant and Villa Ridge, where the storm knocked down a bunch of trees and tore through local businesses and houses. It’s going to take time to clean up. If you're from around here, you probably know someone affected.
Deaths and Injuries Reported
This part is really heartbreaking. The storm claimed seven lives, and many others ended up injured — some of them seriously. A few are still being treated in hospitals. Emergency crews have been working nonstop, trying to rescue people trapped under debris or stuck inside damaged buildings. First responders did a great job rushing in, but the damage came so fast, it was tough to keep up.
Power Outages Across the City
A huge number of people — over 100,000 — lost power when the storm hit. Ameren Missouri has been out there trying to fix downed lines and restore service, but it’s a big job. Some neighborhoods might be without electricity for a few more days. Crews are working around the clock, but with so much damage, it’s not a quick fix. If you’re still in the dark, hang in there and report your outage so they can prioritize repairs.
What Officials Are Doing Right Now
The city put a curfew in place from 9 PM to 6 AM to help keep people safe and prevent any theft or problems in badly hit areas. Police and rescue workers are going house to house, checking if anyone needs help or is trapped. Around 500 emergency workers are out in the field right now helping with clean-up and rescue. It’s clear they’re doing everything they can to get things back to normal.
Weather Update: Calm for Now, But Stay Ready
The good news? The weather over the weekend is looking much better. Sunny skies and calm winds are expected through Sunday. But don't let your guard down just yet — there’s a chance more rain and storms could return early next week. So yeah, keep an eye on the forecast and make sure your phone alerts are turned on.
What You Can Do to Help
If you’re safe and able, here are a few things you can do right now:
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Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or anyone living alone.
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Stay updated by watching or listening to local news like KMOV, KSDK, or Fox2Now.
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Report power outages directly to Ameren Missouri if you’re still without electricity.
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Avoid driving in damaged areas unless it’s absolutely necessary — roads might still be blocked or unsafe.
