Damage reported across St. Louis area after severe storm that claimed 5 lives
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Initial reports of damage from Friday’s fatal storms include downed trees and power lines, with the extent of the damage still unknown in many places.
St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson said that it looks like a tornado first touched down in Clayton, then skipped a couple of blocks into Richmond Heights and then clipped the corner of Forest Park and continued eastward just outside of O’Fallon Park.
The St. Louis Police Department put a curfew in effect for neighborhoods in Districts 5 and 6 from 9 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Saturday. The curfew is also in place on Saturday night into Sunday morning, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. The American Red Cross has opened three shelters to serve residents displaced by the storm.
Officials said five people died in the storm. Around 50-60 patients arrived at Barnes-Jewish Hospital with storm-related injuries or needs. BJC says some of those patients were itted but most were discharged or expected to be discharged. The emergency department at St. Louis Children’s Hospital received 15 patients with storm-related injuries. Three patients were itted, two of whom are in critical condition.
Damaging winds caused the collapse of several structures and outbuildings. The damage was greatest along the track of the storm, which ran from west St. Louis County to Granite City, Illinois, and locations east.
First Alert 4 viewers have sent reports of downed trees in Clayton Friday. This follows after the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the area. First Alert 4 crews are out documenting damage.
First Alert 4’s Nathan Vickers sent live reports of damage in the Central West End neighborhood.
As of 7 p.m. Friday, the Red Line MetroLink trains between the Wellston and Central West End Stations and the Blue Line between the Maplewood-Manchester and Central West End Stations are closed.
The storms also left thousands without power across the region.
Reports out of Richmond Heights show large trees toppled from the storms.
The neighborhood of Skinker DeBaliviere has reports of debris from trees and buildings covering the roads and the lawns of buildings in the area.
Fallen power lines in O’Fallon, Missouri, have been reported, with First Alert 4’s Shoshana Stahl sending in live reports of damage.
On the Illinois side, a tree fell on top of a house in the 1600 block of Poplar Street in Granite City. Similar damage was reported in many cities on the east side of the Mississippi River.
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe released the following statement regarding the severe weather:
“Claudia and I are deeply saddened to learn of the deaths and injuries caused by the tornadoes and severe storms that have affected much of the state today. Our prayers are with all those impacted.
Thank you to the local first responders working to assist communities in St. Louis, Scott County, and across the state. The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to assist this afternoon, and our state agencies will continue to work with local partners to the response and recovery throughout the night and for as long as it takes.
The Missouri Task Force One Urban Search and Rescue team is deploying to the City of St. Louis to assist with search efforts.
Please avoid damage areas so that first responders can help people in need of assistance and so that public works crews can clear debris.
As we continue to monitor storm systems moving across the state tonight, please follow your local forecast closely, have several ways to receive weather warnings, and follow the advice of local officials.”
Copyright 2025 KMOV. All rights reserved.
