Over the weekend, the United States was hit by devastating storms that swept across multiple states. Missouri and Kentucky were the hardest hit, with at least 21 fatalities reported so far. The areas around St. Louis and Scott County in Missouri suffered particularly severe damage.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated on the social media platform X that at least 14 people died in his state on Friday due to the storms. He noted that the death toll may rise as more information becomes available. In Missouri, at least nine people lost their lives, including five in St. Louis, where the destruction was especially severe.
The storm damaged numerous buildings, including a church whose roof was torn off by the tornado. Trees were uprooted and homes destroyed. A day earlier, storms had also hit Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois. The exact number of those injured remains unknown.
The National Weather Service continues to issue warnings about the risk of severe thunderstorms, hail, and possible tornadoes in the southern and northeastern regions of the country.
According to data from NOAA, 54 people died in tornado-related incidents in the U.S. in 2024. Scientists link the growing frequency of extreme weather events to climate change, primarily driven by the burning of fossil fuels. Warming ocean temperatures are intensifying storms by providing them with more energy and moisture.
