LONDON, Ky. (AP) – Residents of Kentucky and Missouri are gradually recovering from the devastation caused by tornadoes that claimed over 20 lives as they tore through the Midwest and southern regions.
Kentucky experienced the most severe impact, with devastating tornadoes destroying hundreds of homes, tossing vehicles around, and displacing many families. At least 19 fatalities were reported, particularly in southeastern Laurel County.
The National Weather Service has forecasted a new mix of weather conditions across the central United States.
Edwina Wilson stands at the remains of her destroyed home in London, Kentucky on Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Caroline Custer)
The Weather Services have identified a “large and extremely dangerous” tornado near Mingus, Texas, located about 70 miles (110 kilometers) west of Fort Worth. While serious damage has been reported in Palo Pinto County, which includes Mingus, there have been no immediate reports of injuries, according to officials.
Forecasters advised that hailstones the size of tennis balls and various other locations in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska faced potential risks from the severe storms.
“It happened so quickly.”
Jeff Wyatt, whose home was destroyed back in 2017, had a similar experience with his London, Kentucky neighborhood. Wyatt, along with his wife and two children, managed to find safety in the hallway as their roof and living room were torn apart. On Sunday, they returned to their devastated home to salvage photographs, baby blankets, and mementos.
Wyatt remarked that the events unfolded in a matter of moments. Survivors and their supporters were seen gathering debris in London on Sunday. The weather service warned of severe storms possibly returning to Kentucky on Monday, with more intense conditions expected Tuesday.
Zach Wilson, whose parents’ home was destroyed, expressed his fears that another storm would obliterate the remaining items he hoped to rescue or, worse, jeopardize another community.
“If we could tell someone, the National Weather Service would be held accountable, and we would make sure that all warnings are taken seriously,” Wilson added.
The Kentucky storm was part of a weather front that had already claimed the lives of seven people in Missouri and another seven in northern Virginia on Friday. The system was responsible for tornadoes in Wisconsin as well, which battered Texas with severe conditions while covering parts of Illinois in dust.
Missouri and Kansas may face further storms
The Weather Service has alerted that regions in Missouri and Kansas should expect severe thunderstorms reaching speeds of up to 60 mph (97 kph), along with golf ball-sized hail and strong gusts.
In London, Kentucky, Ryan Vannerstran took refuge in a first-floor closet with his brother’s large dog as the storm hit his brother’s home in a neighborhood along Kavee Road, where much of the community’s devastation was centered. Vannerstran was left with a damaged house.
He recounted how he felt the house quaking as he sheltered in the closet, while a door from a neighboring home smashed through the window. All the windows were blown out, and while a piece of wood pierced parts of the roof, the house did not sustain catastrophic damage. He noted hearing screams as he stepped outside.
“It has made me understand just how powerless we are in the face of nature’s fury,” he expressed.
Ongoing damage assessment
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated that damage assessments were still underway on Sunday as the state prepared to submit a request for federal disaster assistance.
The governor confirmed the 19th storm victim, a woman from Russell County. Among the 10 individuals hospitalized for weather-related injuries, three remain in critical condition.
“Many in Kentucky are suffering right now,” Beshear stated on X, urging support for fundraisers aimed at assisting with funerals and recovery efforts. “Please do what you can to help.”
He mentioned that some 20 state highways are closed, with several potentially needing days to reopen.
Approximately 1,200 tornadoes hit the US each year, with tornado reports originating from all 50 states. Researchers have identified that deadly tornadoes have become less common in once-predominant “tornado alleys” like Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas.
In St. Louis, Mayor Caraspenser reported that five fatalities occurred, 38 individuals were injured, and more than 5,000 homes were affected.
“The devastation is truly heart-wrenching,” she remarked.
A tornado in Scott County, approximately 130 miles (210 kilometers) south of St. Louis, resulted in two casualties, multiple injuries, and damage to several homes, as reported by Sheriff Derrick Wheatley via social media.
Storm strikes after Trump administration cuts staffing from weather services
Following significant reductions in staffing within the National Weather Service during the Trump administration, concerns have arisen regarding the potential impact this could have on disaster warnings, particularly for tornado events.
The Jackson, Kentucky office, which oversees the area surrounding London, reported a vacancy rate of 25% in March 2025. There was also a 29% decline in personnel in the Louisville, Kentucky, office, and a 16% decrease in the St. Louis office, according to calculations obtained by the Associated Press from Weather Bureau employees. As of March, the Louisville office was operating without permanent meteorological heads (meteorologists in charge).
Experts have noted that vacancy rates exceeding 20% are a major concern.