Local News
At Least Four Dead, Widespread Destruction Following Tornado Outbreak Across St. Louis
A devastating wave of severe storms and confirmed tornadoes tore through the St. Louis metropolitan area on Friday, leaving at least four people dead, multiple injured, and entire neighborhoods in ruins.
The destruction prompted a large-scale emergency response across both the city and county.
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed the fatalities during a press conference Friday evening, describing the destruction as “extensive,” particularly in a swath from Kingshighway Boulevard and Delmar Boulevard stretching north to the city limits.
The tornadoes downed trees, shattered windows, toppled structures, and knocked out power to tens of thousands of residents.
Among the four confirmed fatalities was one individual killed in the collapse of the historic Centennial Christian Church, located at Fountain and Aubert Avenues in the Fountain Park neighborhood.
The church, a beloved community landmark, crumbled as the violent storms moved through the area. Emergency responders were able to rescue two individuals trapped inside, but sadly, one person did not survive.
St. Louis Children’s Hospital reported treating five storm-related patients, one of whom remains in critical condition.
Fire and rescue crews are actively working to reach additional victims, including a 45-year-old man trapped in the basement of a collapsed home in Clayton.
Officials confirmed the man is in communication with rescuers as family members wait anxiously nearby.
The damage extended well beyond the city’s core:
- In the Central West End, large trees were uprooted and debris scattered across McPherson and Taylor.
- A building collapsed in the 4600 block of Vernon Avenue.
- The Harlem Tap Room on Martin Luther King Drive suffered major structural failure, with its entire upper story ripped off. Patrons inside said they had just moments to take cover after being warned.
- In the Richmond Heights and Forest Park areas, extensive damage was reported, including structural damage to the Missouri History Museum, Missouri Art Museum, and Forest Park Golf Course.
- A tree reportedly fell on a Metro Transit bus, injuring passengers.
- Portions of MetroLink service were suspended due to widespread power outages.
As of Friday evening, approximately 30,000 city residents and 40,000 county residents were without electricity.
The St. Louis region had been under a Level 4 out of 5 severe weather threat most of the day, with concerns centered on large hail and high winds.
However, multiple tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service beginning around 2:00 p.m., sweeping rapidly through the metro area.
Authorities emphasized that although the main storm front has passed, secondary risks remain, including gas leaks and unstable structures.
In Clayton, evacuation orders were issued following reports of a gas leak, and the smell of gas was reported by emergency crews on scene.
Rescue teams continue to assess the full extent of the damage and search for survivors. Officials are urging residents to:
- Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary
- Avoid using cell phones unless in emergency situations, as infrastructure is impacted
- Report any missing individuals or structural hazards
“This is a heartbreaking day for St. Louis,” said Mayor Spencer. “Our city is resilient, but we are grieving with the families of those we lost. Emergency crews are doing everything they can to help everyone affected by this disaster.”
The cause and precise path of the tornadoes are still under investigation by the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies.
Additional updates are expected as officials work to clear debris and restore services across the region.
It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Deputy Sheriff Carl “Little Chief” Jensen, a deeply respected and dedicated member of the Little River County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Jensen was found deceased earlier this evening after he did not report for his scheduled shift.
Deputy Jensen was more than a colleague—he was a cherished brother in uniform, a trusted protector of the community, and a steadfast public servant whose presence will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Carl’s journey into law enforcement was driven by a passion to protect those who could not protect themselves.
After completing college, he began his career with Adult Protective Services, investigating allegations of abuse and exploitation in state hospitals, group homes, and home health care settings.
It was during one such case—uncovering the truth behind a complex exploitation investigation—that Carl realized his calling. “I got bit by the law enforcement bug that day,” he once said. “I wanted to help protect and bring justice to those who need it.”
Throughout his career, Deputy Jensen demonstrated extraordinary empathy, integrity, and resilience. He often reflected on the emotional weight of his work, especially when responding to calls on what could be the most difficult days in people’s lives.
“Sometimes, people don’t realize that we’re there to help everyone involved,” he shared. “Even on what could be their worst day, I can do my best to make it better—or at least keep them calm.” His compassion and humanity set an example for us all.
Our deepest condolences and unwavering support go out to Deputy Jensen’s family during this incredibly painful time.
We ask the community to join us in keeping his loved ones and our department in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve this heartbreaking loss.
Deputy Carl Jensen’s legacy of service, kindness, and courage will never be forgotten.
We are grateful for his life, his dedication, and the profound impact he had on those he served and served with.