Deadly Tornado and Storms Leave Trail of Death and Destruction from St. Louis to Eastern Kentucky
Somerset, KY (May 16, 2025) — A powerful and fast-moving storm system spawned multiple tornadoes across the Midwest and parts of the Ohio Valley overnight Thursday into Friday, with one particularly violent twister tearing through the heart of Somerset, Kentucky. Local officials have declared a “mass casualty event” in the wake of the destruction, with widespread devastation, multiple confirmed fatalities, and dozens injured.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that the tornado that struck Somerset was a high-end EF-4, with estimated wind speeds exceeding 170 mph. The storm struck under cover of darkness, illuminated only by constant lightning, creating a terrifying scene of chaos for residents caught in its path.
Widespread Damage in Somerset
Emergency services in Pulaski County responded to hundreds of calls beginning around 10:30 p.m. Thursday night. The tornado left a trail of destruction several miles long, flattening homes, toppling power lines, and reducing businesses to rubble. Somerset’s downtown area was heavily damaged, including a historic church, several government buildings, and the regional hospital, which is now operating on emergency power.
Pulaski County Judge-Executive Marshall Todd issued an urgent statement early Friday morning:
“We are dealing with a mass casualty situation. We have confirmed fatalities, and many more are injured. Emergency crews are still going door-to-door searching for survivors and assessing damage. We ask everyone to stay home, stay off the roads, and pray for our community.”
As of 10 a.m. Friday, officials confirmed at least 12 fatalities in Somerset and surrounding areas, with over 60 injured, many critically. Several people are still missing.
Eyewitness Accounts: ‘It Looked Like a War Zone’
Residents described the tornado’s approach as sudden and surreal. “There was no time,” said Robert Clay, a Somerset resident who lost his home. “Sirens went off, and within five minutes, it was like a freight train was right on top of us. The sky was glowing from lightning, and then everything just exploded.”
Drone footage captured early Friday morning shows entire neighborhoods flattened, cars tossed like toys, and debris scattered for miles. Emergency shelters have been set up at several schools and churches, with the National Guard arriving to assist in search-and-rescue operations.
Storms Track East, Wreak Havoc Across Kentucky and Missouri
Somerset was just one of many communities hit by Thursday’s deadly weather. The storm system first sparked tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in eastern Missouri, where at least five people were killed near St. Louis, including a family of three in St. Charles County whose home was obliterated.
From there, the storms marched east, hitting western and central Kentucky hard. Towns such as Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, and Richmond reported extensive damage. In Laurel County, two people were killed when a mobile home was swept off its foundation and thrown into a nearby ravine.
The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management has activated its full disaster response protocol, with Governor Andy Beshear declaring a state of emergency Friday morning.
“This is one of the worst nights of weather we’ve seen in recent memory,” Beshear said at a press conference. “Entire communities have been changed forever. We are mobilizing all state resources to assist in recovery and rescue.”
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Debris, Downed Trees, and Flooding
While tornadoes brought the most visible destruction, the storm system also unleashed torrential rain, causing flash flooding in multiple areas. Parts of eastern Kentucky, still recovering from devastating floods in recent years, saw rivers rise rapidly overnight. Mudslides were reported in hilly regions of Pike and Harlan counties.
Rescue crews have struggled to reach some remote areas due to impassable roads, prompting additional air support from the Kentucky National Guard and neighboring states.
FEMA has deployed rapid response teams to assess the damage and coordinate federal assistance, while the Red Cross has opened emergency shelters in 12 counties.
Utilities Knocked Out, Communications Down
In Somerset and across other affected areas, tens of thousands are without power, and many have lost access to phone and internet service. Cell towers and utility poles were snapped in two or flattened entirely. As of Friday morning, utility crews are working around the clock to restore essential services, but officials warn it may take several days in the hardest-hit communities.
Hospitals in Bowling Green, London, and Lexington are receiving patients from smaller regional facilities that were damaged or overwhelmed.
National Weather Service: A Rare and Dangerous Setup
Meteorologists say Thursday night’s storms were driven by a rare and volatile combination of warm, moist air from the Gulf and an unusually strong upper-level jet stream.
“This was a textbook setup for violent, long-track tornadoes,” said NWS meteorologist Jessica Nguyen. “Unfortunately, many of these hit at night, when people are most vulnerable and less likely to get warnings or seek shelter in time.”
Preliminary data suggests the storm system produced over a dozen tornadoes across five states, with more damage surveys underway.
What’s Next: More Storms Possible This Weekend
Forecasters warn that while the worst may be over for now, additional storms are possible this weekend across the Southeast, including parts of Tennessee, West Virginia, and the Carolinas.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware and have a plan in place should warnings be issued.
How to Help
Local and national aid groups have launched donation drives to assist the thousands displaced by the storms. Donations of water, non-perishable food, clothing, and blankets are being accepted at shelters across Pulaski and Laurel counties. Those wishing to contribute financially can donate through:
Leave a Reply