Marina
On Friday, May 16, 2025, a powerful tornado tore through the St. Louis metropolitan area, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The storm resulted in five confirmed fatalities, injured dozens, and caused widespread damage to infrastructure and homes.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that the tornado touched down between 2:30 p.m. and 2:50 p.m., affecting neighborhoods including Clayton, University City, and areas near Forest Park.
Extent of the Damage
The tornado’s impact was profound:
- Fatalities: Five individuals lost their lives due to the storm.
- Injuries: Hospitals, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, treated between 35 to 45 patients, with some in serious condition.
- Property Damage: Approximately 5,000 homes and businesses sustained damage, primarily north of Forest Park.
- Power Outages: Over 100,000 customers experienced power outages, with restoration efforts ongoing.
- Infrastructure: Significant damage to trees, buildings, and vehicles was reported. Notably, the Harlem Tap Room on Martin Luther King Drive suffered a partial collapse, and a streetlight was toppled in The Ville neighborhood.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
In response to the disaster:
- Curfew Implementation: A curfew was imposed from 9 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday in the most affected districts to ensure public safety and facilitate emergency operations.
- Search and Rescue: First responders conducted building-by-building searches to locate and assist victims.
- Public Advisory: Residents were urged to stay off the streets to allow emergency services to operate efficiently.
Impact on Community Events and Services
The storm disrupted several community activities and services:
- MS Walk Event: A planned MS Walk in Forest Park, with over 1,000 participants registered, was disrupted due to storm damage in the area.
- Public Transportation: MetroLink services were suspended in certain areas due to storm-related damages.
- Public Facilities: The St. Louis Zoo and Missouri History Museum closed temporarily to assess and repair damages.
Detailed Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | May 16, 2025 |
| Time of Tornado | Approximately 2:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. |
| Affected Areas | Clayton, University City, Forest Park, The Ville |
| Fatalities | 5 confirmed |
| Injuries | 35–45 individuals treated in hospitals |
| Properties Damaged | Approximately 5,000 homes and businesses |
| Power Outages | Over 100,000 customers affected |
| Emergency Measures | Curfew from 9 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday; search and rescue operations |
| Public Services Impacted | Suspension of MetroLink services; closure of public facilities |
The tornado that struck St. Louis on May 16, 2025, has left a lasting impact on the community, with lives lost, properties damaged, and essential services disrupted.
As recovery efforts continue, the resilience and solidarity of the residents, along with the swift response of emergency services, play a crucial role in rebuilding and healing the city.
