A powerful wave of storms ripped through parts of the Midwest and South on May 17, destroying homes, knocking out electricity, and leaving at least 23 people dead, officials reported.
According to the Daily Caller, widespread damage, deadly tornadoes, and mass power outages were reported across Kentucky, Missouri, and neighboring regions as rescue and recovery operations continued through the weekend.
The storms began sweeping across multiple states late on May 16 and intensified into the following day. Kentucky was one of the most severely affected, with Governor Andy Beshear declaring a state of emergency ahead of the worst impacts. By Saturday morning, over 100,000 residents in the state had lost power.
Beshear said the storms brought a dangerous mix of weather that included heavy downpours, strong straight-line winds, hail, and likely tornadoes, even though the National Weather Service had yet to officially confirm those tornadoes in Kentucky as of Saturday morning. However, widespread wreckage and eyewitness accounts indicated tornado activity, particularly in Laurel County.
In the city of London, located in Laurel County, streets and neighborhoods were covered with debris. Seventeen of Kentucky's 18 storm-related deaths occurred in that county, including the loss of firefighter Major Leslie Roger Leatherman while he was helping in emergency response operations.
Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Chaos and Terror
Kayla Patterson, a local resident of London, recounted a harrowing experience to the Associated Press. She said the destructive weather came with the sound “like a freight train,” with objects ripping through the air, glass breaking, and structures falling apart around her.
Governor Beshear confirmed the death toll in a later update on Saturday, raising it from 14 to 18 in Kentucky alone. Throughout the day, he met with community leaders, the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assess damage and coordinate further aid. The National Weather Service had issued multiple weather alerts across the region, including hail and tornado watches for Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri. Severe thunderstorm warnings also extended into the National Capital Region, Pennsylvania, and parts of West Virginia as the weather system moved eastward.
Missouri Sees Major Casualties and Damage
In Missouri, officials reported at least seven deaths, with five occurring in St. Louis. Mayor Cara Spencer stated that around 5,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed in the city, and 38 individuals were taken to hospitals with injuries.
Roughly 70,000 people in Missouri lacked electricity by Saturday morning, adding further challenges as emergency crews responded to the extensive destruction. Republican Governor Mike Kehoe said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life and thanked first responders for their rapid action. Two fatalities were confirmed in Scott County, Missouri, after a tornado tore through rural zones, leveling homes and leaving sections of the county nearly unrecognizable. The county sheriff described entire blocks reduced to rubble, reinforcing the urgent need for federal assistance and recovery efforts.
Other States Affected as Weather System Spreads
Northern Virginia also faced dangerous conditions, as two people died in separate incidents caused by trees falling onto vehicles. NBC 4 Washington confirmed that the victims were inside their cars when wind-blown trees collapsed on them during the storms.
High winds and unusually dry soil conditions contributed to additional hazards. On May 16, the National Weather Service office in Chicago issued its first-ever dust storm warning, a result of dangerous low visibility in parts of central Illinois. Officials warned drivers and residents to remain indoors due to flying debris and traffic disruptions. This series of storms hit just two months after another devastating weather event had left 24 people dead. As of mid-May, some survivors from that earlier event still awaited full assistance. The back-to-back disasters have reignited discussions around the federal government's emergency preparedness policies.
Concerns Grow Over National Emergency Readiness
FEMA has faced funding issues that could impact its response capabilities ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season, which starts in June. These concerns have grown louder in the wake of the recent storms and the ongoing need for disaster relief in multiple regions.
Officials also questioned the federal government’s commitment to tracking and responding to worsening climate-related weather events. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which oversees the National Weather Service, recently stated it would no longer monitor extreme weather trends linked to climate change, raising alarms among emergency response experts.
As families mourn and communities begin recovery efforts, local leaders have called for unity, resilience, and heightened awareness of storm warnings. Governor Kehoe urged Missourians to stay alert and follow safety guidance, while Governor Beshear pledged ongoing support to affected counties in Kentucky. Federal and state agencies are continuing to assess the damage, process aid requests, and coordinate shelters and supplies for the displaced. Residents in impacted communities have already begun cleanup tasks, but with thousands of buildings damaged and major infrastructure compromised, the road to recovery remains extensive.
