The National Weather Service reported that the tornado touched down at approximately 2:30 PM local time, near Forest Park, which is notable for hosting the St. Louis Zoo and the 1904 Olympic Games. Alongside the damage in St. Louis, six other tornadoes were reported in Missouri and the neighboring state of Illinois, signaling a broader weather crisis that extended eastward toward the Atlantic coast.
Rescue operations were underway in St. Louis, where three individuals were extricated after a section of the Centennial Christian Church collapsed; tragically, one of those rescued later succumbed to injuries. In response to the unfolding crisis, authorities imposed a curfew from 9 PM to 6 AM in the hardest-hit areas to reduce risks from debris and potential looting.
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer conveyed a message of sorrow and resilience, stating, "Our city is grieving tonight. The loss of life and the destruction is truly, truly horrendous. We are focused on saving lives and keeping people safe and allowing our community to grieve." The coming days will require significant efforts to restore normalcy and support the impacted residents.
Rescue operations were underway in St. Louis, where three individuals were extricated after a section of the Centennial Christian Church collapsed; tragically, one of those rescued later succumbed to injuries. In response to the unfolding crisis, authorities imposed a curfew from 9 PM to 6 AM in the hardest-hit areas to reduce risks from debris and potential looting.
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer conveyed a message of sorrow and resilience, stating, "Our city is grieving tonight. The loss of life and the destruction is truly, truly horrendous. We are focused on saving lives and keeping people safe and allowing our community to grieve." The coming days will require significant efforts to restore normalcy and support the impacted residents.
