Severe weather throughout Missouri and Kentucky over the weekend has resulted in at least 25 fatalities, with Kentucky’s Governor Andy Beshear announcing an increase in weather-related deaths from 14 to 18, primarily attributed to a tornado believed to be EF3 strength. The fatalities occurred mostly in Laurel County, where 17 lives were lost, including a firefighter. Additionally, Pulaski County reported one death. In Missouri, seven weather-related deaths were confirmed, five in St. Louis County and two in Scott County.
Governor Beshear committed to deploying state resources to assist those affected, emphasizing the significant devastation in communities like Sunshine Hills and London, KY, where homes were obliterated. Ten individuals remain critically injured in Kentucky due to storm-related incidents.
In Missouri, hospitals reported treating over 60 patients from the severe weather, with 15 children requiring care at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, two of whom were in critical condition. The majority of patients at Barnes-Jewish Hospital also received timely discharge. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer noted that approximately 5,000 buildings were impacted by the storms, including two reported tornadoes.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem reached out to the governors of Missouri, Kentucky, and Illinois to offer federal resources for response efforts. The severe weather stemmed from a clash of warm and cool air systems, resulting in multiple tornadoes. As of Saturday, more than 63,000 utility customers in Missouri and 58,000 in Kentucky were without power, highlighting the widespread disruption caused by the storms.
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