At least 16 people have lost their lives after a wave of severe weather swept across the United States, with deadly tornadoes hitting parts of Missouri and Kentucky between Friday and early Saturday, according to NBC News.
In St. Louis, Missouri, a powerful tornado caused widespread devastation, killing five individuals and damaging around 5,000 properties. The storm tore roofs off buildings, brought down power lines, and shut down a major highway during rush hour.
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed the impact of the disaster just one month into her term. Emergency teams are still assessing the full extent of injuries, with several people transported to hospitals across the city. Authorities have imposed a curfew from 9 p.m. to 11 a.m. in the most affected zones to reduce the risk of injury from debris and to prevent looting.
Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson stated that approximately 500 rescue personnel were deployed, including 17 search-and-rescue teams. Despite the extensive damage, initial reports indicate a relatively low number of injuries.
The National Weather Service confirmed at least six tornadoes touched down in Missouri and nearby Illinois. Other states along the East Coast also experienced dangerous weather, including a separate tornado in New Jersey.
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