ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI — A powerful storm system swept through the St. Louis metropolitan area on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction, killing at least four people, and injuring 10 others, according to authorities.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department confirmed four storm-related fatalities via social media. The violent weather was part of a larger system affecting millions across the central United States, with warnings for tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail issued across several states.
Devastation in University City and Surrounding Areas
Much of the worst damage appears to have occurred in University City, a suburb just west of downtown St. Louis. Images circulating on social media show uprooted trees, downed power lines, and debris-strewn streets, particularly along Pershing Avenue, where the National Weather Service (NWS) reported “considerable wind damage.”
In the neighboring city of Clayton, FOX Weather multimedia reporter Olivianna Calmes documented extensive storm impact, including trees felled onto vehicles and property damage.
“The skies turned green,” said Rachel, a Clayton resident. “The winds started whipping. Then, it fell silent, and you heard what sounded like a train — then everything started falling.”Hospitals and Emergency Response
St. Louis Children’s Hospital confirmed that its emergency department treated 10 patients with storm-related injuries. One patient remained in critical condition, while the others were expected to be discharged by the end of the day.
Emergency crews and utility workers were deployed throughout the metro area to clear roads, assess structural damage, and restore power.
Warnings and Tornado Activity
The storm that hit St. Louis had prompted a Tornado Warning categorized by the NWS as a “Particularly Dangerous Situation”, covering over 1 million people in the metro area. A funnel cloud was spotted near Fenton, Missouri, roughly 20 miles southwest of downtown, raising further alarms about possible tornadic activity.
Zoo Closure and Local Impact
The St. Louis Zoo announced on Facebook that it sustained minor damage during the storm and would remain closed through Saturday as a safety precaution. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among zoo animals, guests, or staff.
“All animals are safe and accounted for,” the zoo stated in its update.Broader Storm System
The St. Louis storm was part of a broader outbreak of severe weather across the Midwest, including reports of tornado damage in Wisconsin and severe storms impacting areas from Minneapolis to Chicago. Emergency services across the region remain on high alert as meteorologists warn that more severe weather may follow in the coming days.