Multi-State Tornadoes May 2025

Active Response

Status:

May 16, 2025

Disaster Reported:

Kentucky (KY), Missouri (MO), Illinois (IL), Michigan (MI)

Affected area(s):

A major tornado outbreak from May 16–19 caused widespread devastation across multiple states, with the most severe impacts in Missouri, Kentucky, and Kansas. At least 31 fatalities have been confirmed. Serve Source partners and local church leaders are assessing needs in the affected communities, and we will keep this page updated with the latest information.

Tornado Count: 850 + tornadoes have been reported nationwide so far this year, well above the ~600 average for mid-May.

Maps & Resources

Missouri (St. Louis)

An EF3 tornado struck the city, killing 5 and injuring 38.
5,000 + buildings damaged; estimated losses exceed $1 billion.
Path: began in Clayton, moved through northern St. Louis, crossed into Illinois, and dissipated near the SIU-Edwardsville campus.
News sources: stlpr.org, weather.gov

Kentucky (Laurel County)

24 fatalities (23 in London, 1 in Somerset).
Extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure—including destroyed hangars and aircraft at the London-Corbin Airport.
Sources: People.com, The US Sun, Wikipedia, WLKY News EF3 confirmation & airport damage (WLKY) Fatalities and destruction in London & Somerset (Wikipedia) Additional Pulaski County coverage (WLKY)

Plevna, Kansas

Tornado damage to homes and a church.
Ongoing community sheltering and response efforts.
Sources: Hutch Post, Wikipedia – Plevna, Kansas

Other Regions

Grinnell, Kansas: I-70 closure; multiple tornado reports (FOX Weather).
Scott County, Missouri: Additional fatalities; multi-state summary (AP News).

Illinois (Williamson & Saline Counties)