Fri May 16 20:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text, focusing on the key information and presented in a journalistic style:

**NEWS ARTICLE**

**Tornado Tears Through St. Louis Area, Leaving Damage in its Wake**

**St. Louis, MO –** A powerful tornado struck the St. Louis metropolitan area on Friday, causing widespread damage in St. Louis and Clayton. Videos circulating on social media showed the aftermath, including downed trees, damaged roofs, and power outages in areas like Forest Park and Concordia Seminary.

The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued urgent tornado warnings for multiple counties in southeastern Missouri and south-central Illinois as severe thunderstorms spawned confirmed and potential tornadoes. In Missouri, the warnings covered areas including Iron, Madison, Bollinger, Wayne, Crawford, and Washington counties. Confirmed tornadoes were reported near Saco and Sam A. Baker State Park. Another radar-indicated tornado threatened Steelville.

In Illinois, southwestern Fayette and northwestern Marion counties were also under a tornado warning, with areas near Patoka, Kinmundy, and Brownstown at risk. The storms brought with them the potential for quarter-sized hail and flash flooding, particularly along the I-70 and I-57 corridors.

The NWS urged residents in affected areas to seek immediate shelter in basements or interior rooms, away from windows. The agency warned of the potential for flying debris to cause significant damage to mobile homes, roofs, vehicles, and trees.

While no injuries have been reported at this time, the NWS emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant as the severe weather continues to pose a threat. Local authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and working to restore power and clear roadways.

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