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Local government

Devastating EF-3 Tornado Leaves Trail of Destruction in St. Louis Area

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

On May 16, a devastating EF-3 tornado tore through St. Louis, St. Louis County, and Scott County, leaving a 26-mile trail of destruction in just 26 minutes, with wind speeds peaking at 152 mph and the twister widening to nearly a mile at its broadest. The storm killed seven people, injured 38 others, and caused an estimated $1.6 billion in property losses, damaging or destroying about 5,000 structures, including homes, churches, and businesses. Federal emergency teams described it as the most extensive residential destruction in Missouri since the 2011 Joplin tornado. The tornado also left many residents without power, with areas like Forest Park suffering severe damage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The tornado struck around 2:39 pm CDT on May 16, leaving a 26-mile trail of destruction in just 26 minutes.
  • The twister had wind speeds peaking at 152 mph and widened to nearly a mile at its broadest.
  • The storm killed seven people, injured 38 others, and caused an estimated $1.6 billion in property losses.
  • Approximately 5,000 structures were damaged or destroyed, including homes, churches, and businesses.
  • The 2011 Joplin tornado was the most extensive residential destruction in Missouri prior to this incident.
  • Many residents reported missing siren alerts and widespread power outages.
  • Areas like Forest Park suffered severe damage.
  • The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened applications for two main aid programs: Individual Assistance and Public Assistance.
  • Individuals can apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov, via the FEMA Mobile App, or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
  • Required documents for aid applications include contact details, addresses, social security number, damage list, insurance information, and bank account details for direct deposit.
  • The deadline to apply for Individual Assistance is August 11, 2025.

Statistics:

  • 26 miles: length of the tornado's trail of destruction
  • 26 minutes: time it took for the tornado to pass through the affected area
  • 152 mph: wind speeds peaking during the tornado
  • 1,600 million: estimated property losses caused by the tornado
  • 5,000: number of structures damaged or destroyed
  • 7: number of people killed
  • 38: number of people injured
  • 211: phone number for scheduling appointments at the Disaster Assistance Center
  • 1-800-621-3362: phone number for applying for aid

Sources:

  • [Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)]
  • [State officials]
  • [Times of India]
  • [Governor Mike Kehoe]
  • [Mayor Cara Spencer]

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