A severe weather outbreak has struck the central United States, causing significant destruction and loss of life. Preliminary estimates from AccuWeather suggest that damages and economic losses could reach between $9 billion and $11 billion. Since May 16, more than 70 tornadoes have been reported, leading to at least 28 fatalities across the affected areas.
One of the hardest-hit locations is St. Louis, Missouri, where an EF3 tornado with winds exceeding 150 mph tore through parts of the city. This tornado was part of a larger storm system that resulted in five deaths and extensive damage to around 5,000 properties. City officials estimate that the costs from this tornado alone may reach $1 billion.
In Kentucky, the situation is equally dire, with at least 20 lives lost due to the severe storms. The city of London was struck directly by an EF3 tornado, leaving behind widespread devastation. Eyewitnesses like Anthony Broughton, who stood amid the ruins of his home, highlight the personal toll of these storms.
AccuWeather’s chief meteorologist, Jonathan Porter, described this event as the second major multiday severe weather outbreak this spring, noting that the damage in some communities is catastrophic and the loss of life is heartbreaking.
The financial impact of these storms goes beyond physical destruction. AccuWeather’s estimates account for both insured and uninsured losses, including damage to property, job and wage losses, agricultural impacts, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to supply chains. So far this year, the combined effects of tornadoes, flash flooding, wildfires, and a historic winter storm have resulted in total damages and economic losses ranging from $353 billion to $393 billion.
As the region braces for more severe weather, forecasts indicate that thunderstorms will target areas in Missouri, Tennessee, and Ohio on Tuesday, with a moderate risk extending to parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. The threat of severe weather is expected to move southeast on Wednesday.
Communities across the central and southern U.S. are on high alert as they face the potential for more storms in the coming days. The recovery from this severe weather will take time, and many residents are left grappling with the aftermath of these devastating events.