A severe storm system tore through St. Louis on Friday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least four lives.
Impact of the Storm
- Strong Winds: The storms brought winds that ripped roofs off buildings, tore bricks from siding, and knocked down trees and power lines throughout the city.
- Tornado Warning: The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for parts of St. Louis County at 2:50 p.m. However, officials have not confirmed whether the storm was directly related to the incident in St. Louis due to a lack of additional data.
Casualties and Damage
- Fatalities: One person died after part of Centennial Christian Church collapsed during the storm. Three others were rescued from the site, but one of those later succumbed to injuries sustained during the rescue efforts.
- Witness Accounts:
- Sarah Johnson, a witness, described the moment the church collapsed: "I was inside when it happened and I heard a loud boom followed by screams." She managed to escape unharmed but saw several people trapped under debris outside.
- John Smith, a nearby resident, recounted the chaos: "We were all watching TV when suddenly there was this huge roar followed by complete chaos." His home suffered significant damage, with shattered windows and cracked walls.
Response and Safety Measures
- Shelters: The storms also caused significant damage in western Kentucky, prompting multiple shelters to open in preparation for potential storms expected later.
- Safety Guidelines: Residents are advised to seek shelter immediately if they hear warnings or see signs of approaching bad weather, such as darkening skies or loud thunderstorms.
- Emergency Assistance: The American Red Cross has set up shelters across western Kentucky for residents seeking refuge. Local authorities have established emergency hotlines for those affected by the disaster. Anyone seeking assistance can call (800) RED-CROSS (733-2767).
As residents begin cleaning up debris left behind by the storms, many are still trying to make sense of the events of Friday afternoon.
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