Major tornado outbreak claims at least 27 lives in Kentucky, Missouri and Virginia

At least 27 people were confirmed dead as tornadoes and severe storms swept through parts of the central and eastern United States on May 16, 2025. While some sources indicated the toll could be higher, official figures remain under review as damage assessments continue.

At least 28 tornadoes were reported across six states overnight on May 16. These included nine in Indiana, seven in Kentucky, six in Missouri, and a total of three in Illinois. Two tornadoes were also reported in Maryland.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) reported that a tornado touched down at London-Corbin Airport, damaging and destroying several planes. A medical helicopter was also completely destroyed. Another tornado was confirmed in the Somerset area of Pulaski County.

At least 18 fatalities were reported in Kentucky, with 17 occurring in Laurel County and one in Somerset, Pulaski County. Reports indicated dozens injured across the state. Meanwhile, London Mayor Randall Weddle stated that at least 23 fatalities had occurred statewide.

Leslie Leatherman, 39, a veteran Fire Department major, died in Laurel County after being fatally injured while responding to a tornado-related incident, according to the Leslie County Fire Department.

Residents reported hearing and feeling the vibrations from the tornado as it tore roofs off buildings and hurled vehicles and debris across the affected areas.

Mayor Weddle conducted an aerial survey of tornado damage in the London area on May 17. “It originated in Pulaski County and didn’t stop until it reached Oaks of London. Debris is scattered for up to 5 km (3 miles) past the golf course,” Weddle said.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated that parts of two dozen state roads were closed, and some could take days to reopen. He also warned that the death toll could increase. State Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson reported that hundreds of homes were damaged.

The sheriff’s office reported that rescuers searched for survivors throughout the night and into the morning. An emergency shelter was established at a local high school, with donations of food and essential supplies arriving.

At least seven people died in Missouri and two in northern Virginia. A tornado touched down in St. Louis, causing extensive damage. Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed five deaths, 38 injuries, damage to 5 000 structures, and 340 emergency service calls.

A preliminary survey indicated the tornado was at least an EF-3, with winds exceeding 241 km/h (150 mph) and a width of up to 1.6 km (1 mile).

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that the tornado likely touched down near Clayton at approximately 14:41 LT on May 17, with a path length of over 13 km (8 miles). It may have continued into Illinois. Final confirmation will follow a completed assessment.

The mayor described it as one of the worst disasters to impact St. Louis, noting that the last deadly tornado to strike the city occurred in February 1959.

At the Saint Louis Zoo, falling trees caused significant damage to the roof of a butterfly facility. Staff members secured most of the butterflies, and a conservatory in Chesterfield is currently housing them.

A tornado struck Scott County, approximately 210 km (130 miles) south of St. Louis, killing two people, injuring several others, and destroying multiple homes, according to Sheriff Derick Wheetley.

In Virginia, a woman died when a tree fell on her car on May 16. Another fatality occurred around 18:00 the same day, when a tree struck a vehicle on the George Washington Memorial Parkway near Morningside Lane in Fort Hunt, according to the U.S. Park Police.

A renewed multiday severe weather outbreak is forecast to unfold across the central and eastern United States through Tuesday.

On Sunday, May 18, severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds are expected from central Kansas to central Oklahoma, where an Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5) has been issued by the Storm Prediction Center.

Flash flooding is also likely from eastern Kansas and Oklahoma into Missouri and Arkansas, where rainfall rates may exceed local drainage capacity.

On Monday, May 19, the threat shifts slightly east, with severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall forecast across the southern Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, and into parts of South Dakota. Flash flooding could become significant where storms train over urban areas or sensitive terrain, particularly from North Texas through Arkansas and into southern Iowa.

By Tuesday, May 20, the storm system is expected to move into the Midwest, Tennessee Valley, and Ohio Valley, maintaining the risk of severe thunderstorms and localized flash flooding.

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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