Wed May 21 09:10:00 UTC 2025: ## St. Louis Reels After EF3 Tornado Leaves Billion-Dollar Trail of Destruction
**ST. LOUIS, MO** – St. Louis is grappling with the aftermath of Friday’s devastating storms, with a historic EF3 tornado leaving a trail of destruction stretching over 23 miles and causing an estimated $1 billion in damage. The National Weather Service has confirmed the tornado, packing winds of up to 152 mph and reaching nearly a mile wide at its peak, was the strongest and deadliest to hit the city since 1959.
“This was a perfect storm for causing the most damage possible,” explained 5 On Your Side Chief Meteorologist Scott Connell. Tragically, the tornado resulted in the first tornado fatality in the city in over six decades.
Meteorologists have pieced together a detailed picture of the tornado’s path using photographs taken by damage survey crews. WCNC Charlotte Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich compiled the images into an interactive map, allowing residents to visualize the extent of the devastation.
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer has declared a dire need for federal assistance. “We absolutely, desperately need federal assistance, and we are leaning on them to do what they can,” she stated during a press conference.
In response to the disaster, Mayor Spencer’s office has partnered with the St. Louis Community Foundation to establish the City of St. Louis Tornado Response Fund. Donations are being accepted via a newly launched website to aid in the recovery efforts.
Residents are urged to stay informed about ongoing recovery efforts and weather updates through local news channels, including the 5 On Your Side app. The community faces a long road to recovery, but local leaders and residents remain resilient in the face of this unprecedented disaster.
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