Tornadoes Devastate St Louis, Kill Five, Cause $1.6B Damage

Two powerful tornadoes struck the St. Louis area on May 16, including an EF-3 tornado that caused widespread destruction, killed five people, injured dozens, and left around 100,000 residents without power. Approximately 5,000 buildings were damaged, many rendered uninhabitable, prompting emergency shelters and organized relief efforts, including volunteer cleanup and charity events to support affected families and arts nonprofits. Local authorities implemented curfews and deployed police on extended shifts to secure disaster zones, as unstable buildings and debris remain hazards. Aerial maps comparing before-and-after images of the tornado path were provided by Surdex Corporation to assist residents with damage assessment and insurance claims. The tornado contributed to over $1 billion in property damage in St. Louis, as part of a broader pattern of severe spring weather across the U.S., with multiple tornadoes and hailstorms causing extensive damage in the Midwest and Gulf Coast. City officials continue to warn of more severe weather, urging residents to prepare and secure their homes against further storms.