A destructive tornado tore through the St. Louis metropolitan area, leaving a trail of devastation in Clayton, University City, and parts of St. Louis.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that the tornado touched down in Clayton, Missouri, between 2:30 p.m. and 2:50 p.m., causing significant damage across a 20-square-block area.
At least five fatalities were reported in St. Louis, with additional deaths elsewhere in Missouri, contributing to a total of at least seven deaths statewide. This article compiles details from various news sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the event.
The NWS reported that the tornado began in Clayton, a suburb west of St. Louis, before moving eastward through Richmond Heights, clipping Forest Park, and continuing into north St. Louis neighborhoods.
Radar data and damage reports suggest the tornado was part of a powerful supercell thunderstorm that also produced 2.5-inch hail.
Significant structural damage was reported, including the partial collapse of Centennial Christian Church in St. Louis and the demolition of the upper stories of the Harlem Taproom’s brick building.
Despite the destruction, no injuries were reported at the taproom, where approximately 20 people took shelter.
St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson described the tornado’s path, noting that it “skipped” across neighborhoods, causing sporadic but severe damage.
According to Mayor Cara Spencer and utility provider Spire Energy, over 5,000 homes were impacted, and approximately 100,000 properties in the St. Louis area were left without power.
The storm uprooted trees, downed power lines, and shattered windows, leaving debris strewn across streets. In Clayton, a massive tree was uprooted at Concordia Seminary, and considerable wind damage was reported along Pershing Avenue in west St. Louis.
The tornado claimed at least five lives in St. Louis, with one death attributed to a building collapse in the 1300 block of Bayard Street in north St. Louis.
Across Missouri, two additional fatalities were reported in Scott County, approximately 130 miles south of St. Louis, where another tornado caused widespread destruction.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital treated 20 to 30 patients, some in serious condition, while St. Louis Children’s Hospital received 15 patients, with two expected to remain hospitalized into the weekend.
First responders, including the Missouri Task Force One Urban Search and Rescue team, were deployed to assist with search efforts. St. Louis officials implemented an overnight curfew and urged residents to avoid damaged areas to facilitate rescue operations and debris clearance.
Mayor Spencer emphasized the city’s focus on saving lives and supporting the community, stating, “Our city is grieving tonight. The loss of life and destruction is truly horrendous.”
