Tornado Radar and Severe Weather: Destruction in the Heartland

Source: FOX Weather

Severe Weather Outbreak Across the Eastern U.S.

On May 16, 2025, the eastern third of the United States faced a significant outbreak of severe weather, including tornado warnings affecting over 146 million people. This followed a turbulent day that included more than a dozen reports of tornadoes, 135 incidents of damaging winds, and 90 incidents of large hail primarily across the Upper Midwest.

In a particularly alarming situation, nearly a million residents in the St. Louis metro area were warned of a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” as powerful thunderstorms moved through on Friday afternoon.

Tornado Damage in St. Louis Metro Area

As reported by FOX News Multimedia Reporter Olivianna Calmes, areas within St. Louis experienced significant damage. The emergency management response team noted heavy destruction primarily on the western and northern sides of the metro, where trees and power lines were downed, leaving over 100,000 customers without electricity.

Reports indicate that at least four individuals died due to the severe weather conditions, although this number could change as first responders continue to assess the most impacted areas. The St. Louis Children’s Hospital reported receiving ten patients due to weather-related injuries, with one reported in critical condition.

Effects of the Tornado-Warned Storm

– The damage assessment includes:

• Damaged roofs and partial building collapses.
• Power outages affecting over half a million customers across multiple states.
• Platforms such as the St. Louis Arch captured footage of the supercell cutting through the city, although visibility of the tornado was limited due to the rain.

Video footage from the storm illustrated the power of the winds, which were strong enough to toss debris along city streets. The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency reported destructive hail as large as 2-3 inches.

Confirmed Tornado Sightings

Despite the challenges in visibility due to rain-wrapping, a tornado was confirmed to be spotted by FOX Weather Exclusive Storm Trackers crossing southern Missouri near Bell City. Officials continue to monitor the situation, as many of the severe weather disasters reported may correlate with damaging wind gusts rather than confirmed tornado touchdowns.

Moreover, as the storm system progressed, Dust Storm Warnings were issued on the south side of Chicago along Interstate 80. The National Weather Service (NWS) urged safety measures due to nearly zero visibility conditions resulting from the dust storm.

Future Weather Threats

The severe weather threat isn’t over; it continues to loom as storms may maintain strength into the weekend, potentially impacting regions in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The FOX Forecast Center warned that damaging winds are expected to be the most significant threat moving forward.

Meteorologists highlighted a classic severe weather setup brewing in the Central Plains. The combination of moisture streaming in from the Gulf and cooler, drier air from the Rockies creates conditions conducive for more severe weather outbreaks.

Stay Informed with FOX Weather

For real-time updates and alerts on severe weather, viewers can utilize the live storm tracker on the FOX Weather website. This resource offers severe weather maps, radar data, hail potential, and comprehensive tornado threat information.

Given the complexity and potential for additional severe weather events, it is essential for residents in affected areas to stay informed and prepared for rapidly changing conditions.

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