On Friday, severe storms in the St. Louis metropolitan area resulted in at least four fatalities and injured around ten others.
This storm was part of a larger weather system affecting millions across several states, raising concerns about potential tornadoes, strong winds, and large hail.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department confirmed the four deaths related to the storms via a recent communication.
An official from St. Louis Children’s Hospital indicated that they treated ten individuals, with one in critical condition.
The remaining patients were anticipated to be released later that day.
Much of the destruction seemed concentrated in urban university neighborhoods, with social media showcasing images of uprooted trees.
The National Weather Service observed significant wind damage along Pershing Avenue in West St. Louis.
Reporters noted damage in Clayton, just south of University City. Some trees were seen hitting vehicles in the area.
Rachel, a local resident, described the scene vividly: “The sky is green. The wind started whipping. Then, it went silent, and suddenly you heard what sounded like a train, and everything began to fall.”
During the storm, the St. Louis Zoo also reported damage and will remain closed until Saturday. However, staff assured that all animals were safe, and there were no serious injuries among staff or visitors.
The NWS labeled the storm as “particularly dangerous,” issuing a tornado warning that affected over a million residents in the St. Louis area.
A funnel cloud was spotted in Fenton, Missouri, which is approximately 20 miles southwest of central St. Louis. It’s still unclear if there were any injuries associated with it.
By Friday evening, Poweroutage.us indicated that more than 100,000 customers in Missouri were without power, largely in the St. Louis area.
