Damaging Tornado Touches Down In St. Louis Metro Area, 4 Killed

A fast-moving tornado tore through the St. Louis area, leaving behind shattered windows, downed trees and four fatalities.

By Jenn Jordan

2 hours ago

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A damaging tornado struck the St. Louis metro area, captured by a camera providing a live feed atop The Gateway Arch.

(National Park Service)

A tornado tore through the St. Louis metro area Friday afternoon, bringing significant damage, large hail, and destructive winds up to 60 mph. The storm, which had already produced confirmed 2.5-inch hail, left a trail of destruction as it moved rapidly through the city.

Four people were killed in the city, according to Mayor Cara Spencer. At Centennial Christian Church, City of St. Louis Fire Department Battalion Chief William Pollihan told The Associated Press that three people had to be rescued after part of the church crumbled. One of those people died. Details on the other three fatalities were unavailable.

Radar confirmed that a tornado touched down in the suburb of Clayton or near Forest Park, Missouri, and moved toward the north side of downtown St. Louis. Radar-indicated debris was lofted up high enough to indicate that the tornado may have been EF2 to EF3 strength damage. A tornado survey will be required to learn its exact strength.

As the tornado crossed the Mississippi River just north of downtown, damage reports began pouring in. Bystanders captured video of the aftermath, including a downtown building with its roof ripped off.