Tornado kills 5 in St Louis, damages 5,000 properties

A dust storm approaches the town of Normal, Illinois, U.S., May 16, 2025, in this screengrab obtained from a social media video . Stephanie Alderson Heppe/via REUTERS

(Reuters) -A tornado ripped through St. Louis, Missouri, on Friday, killing at least five people and damaging 5,000 properties as it tore off roofs, knocked down power lines and swept through a major thoroughfare during rush-hour traffic, officials said.

A collapsed roof lies in a front yard after tornadoes ripped through, damaging homes and scattering debris across residential neighborhoods, in St.Louis, Missouri,U.S. May 16, 2025 REUTERS/Lawrence Bryant

"Our city is grieving tonight," St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer, who was sworn in a month ago, told reporters. "The loss of life and the destruction is truly, truly horrendous."

The number of injured was undetermined as officials said they were still gathering information from several hospitals where people were taken.

The city imposed a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (0200-1100 GMT) in two police districts where most of the damage took place to prevent injuries from dangerous debris and reduce the potential for looting.

Debris fills the alley between two heavily damaged apartment buildings after tornadoes ripped through shattering windows and tearing through brick walls in St. Louis, Missouri,U.S. May 16, 2025 REUTERS/Lawrence Bryant

About 500 first responders, including 17 search teams, were deployed, and early indications suggested the number of injured was relatively small considering the overall damage, Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson said.

The National Weather Service reported at least half a dozen tornadoes touching down in Missouri and neighboring Illinois and other severe weather stretching all the way to the Atlantic Coast, including another tornado in New Jersey.

Residents inspect their home after a tornado completely tore off the back wall of a two-story house in St. Louis, Missouri,U.S. May 16, 2025. REUTERS/Lawrence Bryant

(Reporting by Daniel Trotta; Editing by William Mallard)

An injured man surveys the damage outside his home after powerful tornadoes ripped through the area, leaving a trail of destruction in residential neighborhoods in St. Louis, Missouri,U.S. May 16, 2025. REUTERS/Lawrence Bryant

A roof from a home blocks a residential street after a powerful tornado ripped through the city, in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S., May 16, 2025. REUTERS/Lawrence Bryant