WASHINGTON, 18th May, 2025 (WAM) – At least 21 people were killed overnight in Kentucky and Missouri when severe storms that spawned tornadoes ripped across the two states, officials said on Saturday, and the death toll is expected to rise, Reuters reported Sunday.
In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear said early on Saturday at least 14 people were killed in his state. “Kentucky, we’re starting today with the tough news that we lost at least 14 of our people to last night’s storms, but sadly, this number is expected to grow as we receive more information,” Beshear said Saturday in a post on social media platform X.
Earlier, officials said a tornado ripped through the Missouri city of St. Louis, killing at least five people and damaging 5,000 properties as it tore off roofs. It also knocked down power lines and swept through a major thoroughfare during rush-hour traffic on Friday, officials said.
Five people were killed in St. Louis, and two others in Scott County, in southeastern Missouri, according to officials.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement Saturday evening that she spoke to Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker "to offer federal resources and action for the deadly tornadoes and storms impacting Missouri, Kentucky, and Illinois."
Noem noted they "discussed how while emergency management is best led by local authorities, we reinforced that Department of Homeland Security stands ready to take immediate action to offer resources and support.