Tornadoes kill more than 20 in two southern US states

Tornadoes have been reported in Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana

Last updated: May 17, 2025 | 18:10

1 MIN READ

James Brown of Vicksburg, Miss., surveys the damage at the home of his sister Melissa Pierce and her husband, L.A. Pierce, on 7th Street in Rolling Fork, Miss. after a tornado cut through the small Delta town Friday night.

Washington: More than 20 people have died after severe storms swept through the southern US states of Missouri and Kentucky, officials and local media reports said Saturday.

Kentucky governor Andy Beshear said on X that at least 14 people had died in Friday night's storms. At least seven people were killed in Missouri, the Washington Post reported.

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"Kentucky, we're starting today with the tough news that we lost at least 14 of our people to last night's storms, but sadly, this number is expected to grow as we receive more information," Beshear said. "Please pray for all of our affected families."

The Washington Post reported, citing city officials, that five people had been killed in St. Louis in Missouri.

"Our city is grieving tonight," Mayor Cara Spencer told reporters Friday night. "The loss of life and the destruction is truly horrendous."

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