At least 21 people were killed as a powerful storm system tore through the central United States late Friday, spawning destructive tornadoes across Missouri and southeastern Kentucky and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. Officials reported 14 deaths in Kentucky and seven in Missouri, with additional injuries and widespread destruction across multiple states.
The tornadoes damaged homes, leveled buildings, and knocked out power for more than 700,000 homes and businesses across a dozen states, including Illinois and Indiana, according to Poweroutage.us. Video from Laurel County, Kentucky, showed entire neighborhoods reduced to twisted cars, downed power lines, and debris-strewn streets.
"I have never personally witnessed what I've witnessed here tonight. There's a lot of devastation," London, Kentucky Mayor Randall Weddle told CNN affiliate WKYT. The National Weather Service had earlier issued warnings of a "large, extremely dangerous" tornado sweeping east across lower Kentucky shortly after midnight.
Emergency responders in Somerset, a city in Pulaski County, reported significant damage, urging residents to avoid the affected area. "The southern side of the city has been hit by a possible tornado! Please avoid the area, poles and power lines are down!" the Somerset Fire Department posted.
Pulaski County Judge Executive Marshall Todd declared a state of emergency, with cleanup efforts already underway. Emergency officials also confirmed multiple deaths in Laurel County, where the storm's trail of destruction extended from Pulaski County.
In Missouri, at least five people died in the St. Louis area, and two more were killed in Scott County. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer said, "The loss of life and the destruction is truly horrendous." Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson reported that approximately 20 square blocks of the city were damaged, noting that "basically, every window" in one firehouse was blown out. About 500 first responders were deployed for an overnight search.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis received 20 to 30 injured patients, while St. Louis Children's Hospital admitted 15, according to spokesperson Laura High. Some tornado sirens reportedly failed to activate, prompting an investigation by city officials.
Scott County Sheriff Derick Wheetley described areas of complete devastation. "The tornado moved from the eastern part of the county, leaving behind a trail of destruction, with multiple homes completely lost and areas left unrecognizable," he said. Several people were transported to medical facilities with injuries ranging from minor to severe.
As the deadly system weakens and shifts southeast, new threats loom. The National Weather Service warned of another round of severe storms targeting the Great Plains and southern Texas. More than 20 million people across the Southwest remain at risk through early next week, with severe storm alerts in place for the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
