Severe weather over the weekend has led to the deaths of at least 25 individuals across Missouri and Kentucky, as reported by authorities. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear revised the fatality count due to a single tornado, originally categorized as EF3, from 14 to 18 by Saturday afternoon. He described the devastation, stating there are homes without standing walls and families deeply affected by the loss of loved ones. Most of the fatalities occurred in Laurel County, along with one in Pulaski County, which included a local firefighter.
In Missouri, officials confirmed seven weather-related deaths since Friday, with five in St. Louis County. Local hospitals treated over 60 patients for injuries related to the storms, with a pediatric facility caring for 15 children, two of whom were in critical condition. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer noted that the severe weather impacted around 5,000 buildings, and reports indicated two tornadoes in the area.
Governor Beshear pledged that state resources would be allocated for recovery efforts in Kentucky, where ten people remain critically injured. Meanwhile, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem expressed readiness to provide federal support to the affected states after discussing needs with Missouri, Kentucky, and Illinois governors.
The severe weather was attributed to a clash between warm and cool air, prompting the National Weather Service to report 28 tornadoes on Friday. By Saturday, over 63,000 utility customers in Missouri and 58,000 in Kentucky were without power. Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing as communities come together to address the damage and assist those affected.
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