Tornadoes rip through central US, killing 25: All you need to know

Devastating storms swept through the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States on Friday, spawning a series of powerful tornadoes that have claimed at least 25 lives and left dozens more injured. Kentucky and Missouri were the hardest-hit states, enduring the brunt of the destruction, while neighboring areas also suffered significant damage.

As both states reach out to the department of homeland security for assistance, the extent of the devastation continues to create immense challenges for local authorities and communities in their recovery efforts.

A powerful storm system swept through the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States on Friday night, producing a series of deadly tornadoes that left at least 25 people dead and dozens more injured. Kentucky and Missouri were the most severely affected, as the storm system’s core impact zone covered Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, where the heaviest destruction was reported.

The storm system began with supercells, intense thunderstorms known for producing severe winds and large hail. By Saturday, government forecasters confirmed that at least 26 tornadoes had touched down, primarily in Kentucky and Indiana.

In Kentucky, at least 19 people were killed as tornadoes tore through Laurel, Pulaski, and Russell counties. The most severe damage occurred in Laurel County, where 17 people died. Governor Andy Beshear reported that 10 people were still being treated for injuries at the University of Kentucky Hospital, with three in critical condition. Officials expect the death toll to rise as rescue operations continue.

Missouri also experienced significant damage, particularly in St Louis, where at least seven people were killed, five of them in the city. The tornado left about 5,000 buildings damaged across a 20-square-block area. City officials have launched house-to-house searches in the worst-hit areas to assess the full extent of the destruction.

The storm system’s path began in southeastern Missouri, where two additional deaths were reported in Scott County. The tornadoes struck the area around 3 PM local time, and extensive damage was reported.

Two fatalities were reported in Virginia when trees fell on vehicles during the storm, injuring a dozen people. The severe weather compounded the destruction already caused by previous tornado outbreaks in these regions this year.

On Saturday afternoon, approximately 140,000 properties in Missouri and Kentucky were left without power due to the storm. Power restoration efforts are ongoing, with authorities working to clear debris and repair damaged infrastructure.

To ensure safety and prevent further injuries, a curfew was imposed in the worst-hit areas of Kentucky and Missouri from 9 PM to 6 AM local time. The curfew aimed to minimize injuries from falling debris and reduce the potential for looting as authorities focused on recovery and rescue operations.

The storm system struck a region commonly referred to as "Tornado Alley," which includes parts of Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana. This area is notorious for frequent tornadoes, particularly during the spring and summer months.

The storm’s aftermath has complicated disaster relief efforts, as staffing and funding cuts by the Trump administration have strained federal resources. Both Kentucky and Missouri have reached out to the department of homeland security, which oversees FEMA, but officials warn that the ongoing challenges may delay assistance.