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Damage assessment teams are actively surveying the aftermath of powerful storms that swept through Missouri and Illinois, focusing on the St. Louis metro area. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed six tornadoes, with the possibility of more being identified as surveys continue.
In southern Iron County, a tornado near Des Arc, Missouri, was rated at least EF-3, with assessments ongoing. Another tornado caused damage from Chesterfield northeast through Maryland Heights, Bridgeton, and Florissant, with damage rated as high as EF-2. The NWS expects these ratings to potentially change as further evaluations are conducted.
The storms left a trail of destruction, including toppled trees and damaged buildings. In Maryland Heights, Creve Coeur Soccer Park suffered major damage to a key office building, and in Gray Summit, the welcoming center at Purina Farms was heavily damaged, though no injuries were reported.
According to NBC 5, the storms caused 12 fatalities across Missouri, including two in the Greater St. Louis area. The severe weather also affected neighboring Illinois, with damage to mobile homes and barns.
The NWS continues to survey the region, and the official number of tornadoes and their ratings may increase. The community is now focused on recovery efforts as they begin to rebuild and assess the full extent of the damage.