St. Louis Tornado: Death and Destruction in University City

St. Louis Tornado: Devastation and Loss in University City A powerful tornado ripped through University City, a neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, on Friday, May 17, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least seven lives. The storm, which struck shortly before dinnertime, caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. FOX Weather correspondent Katie Byrne reported live from the scene, describing the devastation as "absolutely devastating." She showed viewers the remnants of Centennial Christian Church, whose walls were crumbled and roof partially collapsed. The damage extended across the neighborhood, with numerous homes suffering significant damage, and cars with windows blown out. Over 80,000 customers were left without power. Mayor Tishaura Jones expressed grief over the lives lost and the extent of the damage. One resident, whose home was damaged, described the scene: "It was terrifying. The wind was so strong, it felt like the house was going to blow away." The storm also caused numerous trees to fall, blocking roads and further hampering rescue efforts. Emergency crews worked through the night, searching for survivors and assessing the damage. The National Weather Service is expected to conduct surveys to determine the precise path and intensity of the tornado. Despite the devastation, the community is coming together to help those affected, demonstrating resilience and mutual support during this difficult time.