Deadly Tornadoes Rip Through Midwest and South, Killing 31

A severe tornado outbreak swept across the American Midwest and South on May 15–16, 2025, leaving a trail of devastation in multiple states and resulting in at least 31 confirmed deaths.

The National Weather Service reported that violent tornadoes touched down in Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and New Jersey. In Kentucky alone, 23 people were killed, with 14 fatalities in Laurel County. Missouri reported seven deaths, including five in the St. Louis region.

Entire neighborhoods were destroyed, and more than 5,000 properties were damaged in Missouri. The towns of London and Somerset in Kentucky were also heavily impacted. Over 334,000 customers lost power across the affected areas, with utility crews working around the clock to restore electricity.

State officials declared emergencies, and FEMA deployed disaster response teams to assist with rescue operations. Temporary shelters have been opened for displaced families, and the National Guard was mobilized in multiple states.

Meteorologists attributed the outbreak to a clash of warm, moist air with a cold front—ideal conditions for supercell formation. The National Weather Service has warned that additional severe storms may develop over the weekend.

President Trump issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and pledged full federal support for recovery efforts.