Devastating Storm Leaves 21 Dead, Widespread Destruction in Missouri and Kentucky

KEY POINTS

• At least 21 killed as tornadoes and severe storms strike Missouri and Kentucky overnight May 16–17.
• Kentucky Governor Beshear confirms 14 deaths, declares state of emergency; St. Louis reports 7 deaths and 5,000 homes damaged.
• Power outages still affect over 83,000 customers in Kentucky alone, down from 100,000+ earlier in the day.
• First responders actively conducting rescues amid heavy destruction in Laurel County and St. Louis.

A severe storm system unleashed deadly tornadoes, hail, and high winds across Missouri and Kentucky from Friday evening into Saturday, May 17, 2025, killing at least 21 people and prompting states of emergency. Both states reported widespread structural damage and power outages as search and rescue efforts continue.

Kentucky: Fatalities, Emergency Orders, and Recovery Efforts

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed 14 fatalities across the state, primarily concentrated in Laurel County, where drone footage revealed widespread destruction in the Sunshine Hills area. The Governor declared a statewide emergency on Friday and said recovery efforts are well underway.

Beshear noted that 83,338 customers are still without power — an improvement from the 100,476 outages reported earlier in the day. Five counties have declared local emergencies, including Laurel and Whitley.

The Governor also confirmed ongoing coordination with FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, and local officials. A public shelter has been established at First Baptist Church, 804 W. Fifth Street, London, Kentucky, with more shelters to be announced.

Missouri: St. Louis Devastated, Rescue Crews Mobilized

Seven deaths were confirmed in Missouri, including five in St. Louis and two in Scott County. According to CNN, approximately 5,000 homes were damaged, including neighborhoods where entire roofs were ripped off and power lines downed.

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer praised the work of more than 500 first responders who continue to search collapsed buildings and assist families.

In Scott County, Sheriff Derick Wheetley described the area as “unrecognizable” and said multiple homes were “wiped off the map.” Local rescue teams are being supplemented by National Guard and state resources.

Widespread Power Outages and Regional Weather Threats

As of Saturday morning, over 640,000 customers across 12 states were without power, according to PowerOutage.us. The hardest-hit states include Kentucky, Missouri, and parts of Tennessee.

The National Weather Service (NWS) is still confirming tornado touchdowns but has indicated that multiple radar signatures confirm tornadic activity in both St. Louis and Laurel County. Over 1,500 severe weather incidents have been reported in 24 states since Thursday.

Community Support and Looking Ahead

Emergency shelters and supply centers are being set up, and Beshear has promised to visit affected communities today. “We are focusing all state resources on rescue and recovery,” he said.

As storms continue to move east, parts of Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas are now under severe weather warnings for tornadoes and flash flooding.

Sources: CNN, National Weather Service, Governor Andy Beshear’s official statements via X (@GovAndyBeshear), PowerOutage.us