Storms kill 28, leave trail of destruction across 12 U.S. states

A powerful storm system tore through the central and eastern United States over the weekend, leaving at least 28 people dead and causing widespread destruction. Tornadoes, large hail, and strong winds battered several states, with the worst damage reported in Kentucky and Missouri.

Storm hits multiple states in US

The severe weather outbreak began on Thursday, May 16, and continued into Tuesday, affecting at least 12 states. More than 70 tornadoes were reported across Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana. Wind speeds and hail added to the damage, destroying homes, power lines, and trees.

How long has it been since the devastating tornado hit London, Kentucky taking 17 lives and did Trump visit the area yet…..remember when a tragedy hit and the same day they’d be all up on here screaming for Biden to visit the area immediately pic.twitter.com/bGgvjbmeQP

— Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) May 19, 2025

Emergency crews in many towns are still searching for survivors and assessing the extent of the damage.

Kentucky saw the highest number of fatalities. Governor Andy Beshear confirmed at least 19 deaths, most of them in Laurel County. The town of London, located about 75 miles south of Lexington, was one of the hardest-hit areas.

Photos from Saturday morning showed flattened homes, cars thrown across yards, and broken trees. Families picked through the wreckage, searching for belongings and loved ones.

Leslie Bott, a Laurel County resident, described how she and her family took shelter in a hallway just before the tornado struck. “You could feel the air sucking, and it sounded like a train,” she said. “Next thing you knew, most of the house was gone.”

In Missouri, seven people died after a tornado tore through the St. Louis area. The storm damaged or destroyed over 4,500 structures. Roofs collapsed, trees crushed vehicles, and power lines snapped.

University of Missouri-St. Louis student John Randle took shelter in a museum basement with 150 others. “You could see the doors flying open and people running,” he said.

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer called the destruction “horrendous” and urged people to stay home while first responders worked through the night.

Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson said nearly every window at a local firehouse was shattered. About 500 emergency workers searched buildings across a 20-block area for survivors.

At the height of the storm, more than 700,000 homes and businesses lost electricity. Missouri and Kentucky were hit the hardest. Crews have restored power in most areas, but damage remains widespread.

Financial impact

AccuWeather estimates the total economic loss between $9 billion and $11 billion. The figure includes damaged buildings, lost wages, crop damage, flight cancellations, and government response costs.

Experts also included long-term health effects, emergency medical care, and disruptions to supply chains in their estimate.

With over 820 preliminary tornado reports so far in 2025, meteorologists say this could be the most severe year for tornadoes in more than ten years. The average number for this time of year is about 620.

Forecasters warn that more severe storms and tornadoes could hit the same regions again on Monday and Tuesday.

Emergency services continue rescue and recovery efforts. Communities are asking for help as they rebuild homes and restore basic services.

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