Severe Weather Tornado Terror Grips US : Deadly Storms Wreak Havoc
As the Central and Southern United States reel from a brutal four-day onslaught of tornadoes and violent storms, the nation stands on edge, bracing for more severe weather. By Monday, May 20, 2025, the catastrophic toll is staggering: over two dozen lives lost, thousands of homes and businesses reduced to rubble, and billions in damages across states from Texas to Kentucky. With forecasters warning of new tornado threats looming, communities are left grappling with grief, destruction, and an uncertain future.
A huge #tornado passed near a house in #grinnell (#Kansas, #USA, 05/18/2025). pic.twitter.com/D8WECEQBSk
— City Weather (@ukcityweather) May 20, 2025
A Trail of Ruin Across the Heartland
The scale of devastation is almost unimaginable. St. Louis alone faces damages exceeding $1.6 billion, while Kentucky has become the epicenter of this meteorological nightmare. From the plains of Texas to the rolling hills of Missouri, entire towns have been reshaped by nature’s fury. Shattered homes, upended lives, and the haunting echo of tornado sirens paint a grim picture of a region under siege. The National Weather Service has issued fresh warnings, with eastern Oklahoma at risk Monday and the threat shifting to Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee by Tuesday.
Kentucky: A State in Mourning
Kentucky has endured the worst of this relentless storm system. A monstrous tornado—or possibly multiple twisters—tore through the state from Friday night into Saturday, leaving behind a wasteland of destruction. At least 19 lives were lost, with southeastern Laurel County suffering the heaviest blow. Entire neighborhoods have vanished, replaced by debris-strewn landscapes and the quiet despair of survivors.
In London, Kentucky, the local airport lies in ruins, now serving as a hub for emergency relief efforts. Mayor Randall Weddle, facing a community in chaos, remains steadfast: “We’re tackling a thousand challenges, but we’ll get through this. We’ll rebuild.” His words reflect the resilience of a town determined to rise from the ashes.
Survivors’ stories are both heartbreaking and inspiring. Lonnie Nantz, 77, clung to his family in a hallway as their home of nearly five decades collapsed around them. Trapped in darkness for 20 agonizing minutes, they emerged unscathed but homeless. “I don’t understand why this happened, but my faith holds strong,” Nantz said, attending church as always on Sunday. Ashley Taylor, a city worker, returned to duty despite her own damaged home, delivering supplies while thanking God for sparing her family. Yet, amidst these tales of survival, tragedy looms large. Laurel County mourns firefighter Leslie Leatherman, who died shielding a woman—his own wife, unbeknownst to him in the storm’s chaos—from the storm’s wrath.
St. Louis: A City Reeling, Questions Unanswered
In St. Louis, an EF3 tornado with 150 mph winds left a trail of destruction described by Mayor Cara Spencer as “eight miles of pure devastation.” Five lives were lost, 38 people injured, and over 5,000 homes and buildings damaged. As the city declared a state of emergency, frustration mounts over delays in federal aid and a shocking failure in the warning system. Mayor Spencer admitted that tornado sirens may not have sounded due to unfollowed protocols, raising serious questions about accountability as the city begins its long recovery.
Severe weather Kansas and Texas: Narrow Escapes and New Threats
Kansas faced its own close calls, with Greensburg—a town nearly erased by an EF5 tornado in 2007—spared major damage this time. Other areas weren’t as lucky, with tornadoes tearing through Stafford and Reno counties. In Texas, EF1 tornadoes west of Fort Worth caused significant damage but no reported injuries. Both states continue to assess the toll as the storm system moves eastward.
A Nation Awaits, Storms Persist
As cleanup begins, the threat of more tornadoes hangs heavy. The National Weather Service warns of heightened risks in eastern Oklahoma Monday, with Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee in the crosshairs by Tuesday. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) faces scrutiny as its new policy shifts more recovery responsibility to states, leaving communities like St. Louis and London uncertain about federal support.
Gleb Perov is the founder and chief meteorologist of POGODNIK, a leading weather forecasting service in Eastern Europe. With over 15 years of hands-on experience in meteorology and climate analysis, he has worked private weather services.
Gleb is the author of numerous scientific and analytical publications on climate, magnetic storms, and atmospheric processes. He regularly collaborates with major international agencies such as NOAA, ECMWF.
