Sun May 18 02:39:15 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Deadly Storms Ravage Midwest and South U.S., Claiming at Least 27 Lives**
**LONDON, Ky. (May 18, 2025)** – A series of severe storms, including devastating tornadoes, swept through parts of the U.S. Midwest and South on Friday and Saturday, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of at least 27 people. Kentucky has been hit the hardest, with Governor Andy Beshear confirming 18 fatalities and 10 critical injuries in his state.
One of the most destructive tornadoes ripped through Laurel County in southeastern Kentucky, damaging homes, overturning vehicles, and leaving residents homeless. Fire Department Maj. Roger Leslie Leatherman, a 39-year veteran, was among the victims in Pulaski County, succumbing to injuries sustained while responding to the disaster. Hundreds of homes have been damaged, and parts of two dozen state roads remain closed.
“We need the whole world right now to be really good neighbors to this region,” said Gov. Beshear, emphasizing the scale of the devastation.
In Missouri, five people died in St. Louis, with Mayor Cara Spencer reporting over 5,000 homes affected. An apparent tornado touched down near Forest Park, causing damage to the St. Louis Zoo and the Centennial Christian Church, where one person was killed. Two fatalities were also reported in Scott County, Missouri.
The severe weather system also impacted other states, with two deaths reported in northern Virginia and tornadoes touching down in Wisconsin. A heat wave gripped Texas, while a dust storm temporarily enveloped parts of Illinois, including Chicago, prompting the National Weather Service to issue its first-ever dust storm warning for the city.
Rescuers in affected areas worked through the night and into the morning, searching for survivors amidst the debris. Emergency shelters have been established, and donations of food and necessities are pouring in.
The National Weather Service is warning of continued severe weather conditions, including large hail, damaging winds, and potential tornadoes, across parts of the central and southern Plains. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared to take action if watches and warnings are issued for their area.
The storms come amidst concerns about staffing levels at National Weather Service offices. According to data obtained by the Associated Press, several weather service offices across the impacted region were operating with significant vacancy rates in March 2025. Experts have raised concerns about how reduced staffing may affect the ability to issue timely and effective warnings during severe weather events.
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