On the morning of May 15,the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) forecast an enhanced (3/5) risk of severe weather over Minnesota,Wisconsin,Illinois,Michigan,Indiana,and Ohio. A negatively tilted mid-level atmospheric trough was expected to move northeast across the Upper Midwest,which would cause jet streaks to move eastward over the Ozarks and northeastward over the upper Missouri River valley. Large ascent produced by the system was expected to produce a large warm sector through much of the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley regions. A surface cyclone was expected to develop over the Dakotas,anchoring a potent warm front that would move north into Wisconsin and a cold front that would move east over the middle and upper Mississippi Valley. Ahead of the cold front would be an area of moderate instability and moist air with dewpoints from the mid-60s to lower-70s Fahrenheit,with strong initial wind shear expected to support the development of supercells. Further east,around Milwaukee in southeastern Wisconsin and Chicago in northeastern Illinois,RAP model soundings anticipated moderate MLCAPE values of 2000 J/kg,shear in the lowest 6km (3.7mi) of the atmosphere of 35–40 knots,and mid-level lapse rates of 7.5°Celsius per kilometer,in addition to strong storm-relative helicity values of 250–300 m2/s2,which would support severe hazards if mature supercells spread over the area.[12]
The severe weather forecast was predicted to start near the surface cyclone in the upper Mississippi Valley,with individual storms expected to organize into discrete supercells as they exploited the region's conducive deep-layer shear values. This was expected to become a broken line of severe convection,which would move east-northeastward into northern Illinois and eastern Wisconsin as the day progressed. The region was expected to see supercells,some of which might bring strong downburst winds,large hail—up to 2in (5.1cm) in the strongest storms—and moderate to strong tornadoes. The broken line was expected to organize into a more linear storm with embedded supercells that might produce tornados and wind gusts exceeding 75mph (121km/h) at the leading edge of the line,and hail as the line moved into northern Indiana and Michigan's lower peninsula.[12]
Other risks of severe weather were outlined over the Ozarks region and the Mid-Atlantic. In the Ozarks,a strong upper-level jet streak and moderate instability set the conditions for hail and damaging winds,though a strong capping inversion and the lack of large ascent was expected to limit the spread of severe weather. Over the Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic,a moist and moderately unstable airmass would support an isolated severe threat over eastern Virginia,with the lack of atmospheric ascent compensated by the presence of surface forcing,strong deep-layer shear,and steep lapse rates.[12]
Convective history
By 4a.m. CDT on May 15,a cluster of storms over the border region of South Dakota,Minnesota,and Iowa developed into a bowing line segment with smaller organized cellular elements.[13] This system persisted over the next three hours into south-central Minnesota,much longer than forecasters had anticipated,but was disorganizing. Behind the system,storms were developing in southeastern South Dakota and northeastern Nebraska.[14] By noon CDT,the atmosphere over central Minnesota had recovered from the earlier system,which had sharply de-intensified. A dry line had developed,ahead of which a warm sector was deepening,with temperatures in the low to middle 70°F (21°C) range. Strong low-level winds were evident on VAD data from KMPX in Chanhassen,Minnesota,and forecasters anticipated strong forcing would support the development of organized convection,which would produce severe weather. The timing of this threat was uncertain,but shear,forcing,hodograph readings,and lapse rates in the region suggested a large risk of hail and more moderate risks of damaging winds and isolated strong tornadoes.[15]
Early in the afternoon,a broken line of supercells began moving towards the Twin Cities,with a sounding from Chanhassen revealing steep lapse rates,strong storm-relative helicity in the first kilometer of the atmosphere,and a Significant Tornado Parameter value above 2. At 1:42p.m. CDT,forecasters said these factors could produce a corridor where moderate or strong tornados might form.[16] In the next hour,cumulus formed and deepened along the dry line into Iowa,and a sounding from Davenport revealed steep lapse rates and a long hodograph indicative of strong wind shear south of the initial threat. The development time of storms was unclear,but forecasters noted that supercells that might drop large to very large hail and a tornado could develop over a large area of eastern Iowa,northern Illinois,and southern Wisconsin before 4p.m.[17] By 3p.m.,conditions over northwestern Wisconsin had remained favorable for tornadoes,including strong ones,with surface temperatures rising above 80°F (27°C) and expected atmospheric conditions remaining conducive to such storms,as discrete but close supercells were moving into the region.[18] The atmosphere over central and northern Illinois was destabilizing throughout the afternoon,though the greater spread between dewpoints and surface temperatures and slight veering lower-level winds portended less severe weather than areas further north.[19] The northern line of semi-discrete supercells began to arc over central Wisconsin. Wind-velocity data from Milwaukee showed increasing low-level helicity and persistently sharp lapse rates;after 5p.m. CDT,these would create a small area at the southern end of the line in southern Wisconsin where supercellular tornadoes were most likely.[20] The risk of tornadoes at the northern edge of the line began to wane as it approached the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Green Bay.[21] Further south across eastern Illinois,supercells remained active amid continuing destabilization and shear. Some areas of northern Illinois escaped storms due to the lack of forcing.[22]
After northern parts of the line moved onto Lake Michigan and as the mesoscale convective system approached landfall onto Michigan's lower peninsula,forecasters noted that shear profiles from Grand Rapids would remain conducive to strong wind gusts and potentially tornadoes,also noting the possibility of embedded mesovortices or rear-inflow jets as inciting factors for either.[23] Throughout the late evening,the system would maintain itself through strong deep-layer shear and higher boundary-level dewpoints,with recorded wind gusts reaching 70mph (110km/h) occurring by 9:47p.m. CDT.[24]
Further south over northern Arkansas,existing storms began moving into a destabilized area of the region,though forecasters noted that storms may not intensify due to the presence of substantial convective inhibition in the region.[25]
May 16
Forecast
The large number of trees downed by the Somerset-London tornado created a scar visible from space.
The Storm Prediction Center outlined a moderate (4/5) risk over much of the middle Mississippi and lower Ohio Valleys on May 16,with the greatest risk over southeastern Missouri,far northeastern Arkansas,northwestern Tennessee,southern Illinois and Indiana,far southwestern Ohio,and much of Kentucky. The upper-level low centered over the border of North Dakota and Minnesota was expected to move eastward into the middle Mississippi Valley. Following persisting convection from the previous day,a warm front would sweep over a large region from Missouri to the Ohio and Tennessee Valley regions. Over this region,the atmosphere was expected to sharply destabilize,with MLCAPE values exceeding 2500 J/kg,strong mid-level flow,and deep-layer shear that might exceed 50 knots expected to help develop and intensify severe weather.[26]
Severe convection the previous day had persisted into the morning in northeastern Arkansas through eastern Kentucky,which was expected to move east into a destabilizing environment in West Virginia and western Virginia that afternoon,though the longevity of this system was uncertain.
This strong tornado began by uprooting multiple trees near a property, then tracked north snapping tree trunks along its path. As it shifted northeast, it destroyed a farm outbuilding, scattering debris along the rest of its track. The most significant damage occurred at a property where multiple trees were snapped and a silo was heavily damaged, including a caved-in side, a shifted base, and the top being removed. The tornado continued briefly before dissipating north of a nearby road.[10][27]
A brief, weak tornado on Roanoke Island caused scattered damage including uprooted and snapped trees, tossed bleachers, shingle loss on a concessions building, and overturned outdoor equipment.[29]
A strong tornado damaged farm outbuildings, trees, power poles, and a house had the majority of its roof removed. The tornado then entered southern Colby, damaging a house, several outbuildings, power poles, and a car dealership.[30]
A strong tornado caused extensive damage along its path from southwest of Juneau, through the north side of downtown, and ending east of Horicon. The most intense destruction occurred in Juneau, where around ten structures experienced EF2 level damage. One person was injured when a roof was torn off and a tree crashed into their home. A care facility had windows blown out and lost the roof of one building, while a motel-style residential structure also lost its entire roof. An empty silo was buckled, and a cow was injured by flying debris. At a golf club near Horicon, approximately one hundred sixty-five trees were uprooted or heavily damaged, several golf carts were overturned or displaced, and the main building suffered major roof damage.[10][28]
A tornado began on the north end of the Dodge County Airport, heavily damaging five airplane hangars by tearing off roofing and siding. All planes at the site were destroyed either by debris impact or being flipped. The tornado then moved east and passed through the far southern edge of Horicon, causing additional damage near a park.[10][28]
This strong tornado began southwest of Mayville and quickly intensified as it moved into the southwestern part of town. A farmhouse lost part of its roof and several farm sheds were damaged. In the industrial area, the Mayville Engineering Company sustained major damage when winds entered through a large garage door and caused the collapse of a north wall. The nearby Gleason Reel Corporation also suffered heavy damage, with the southern portion of the building destroyed. The tornado then moved through a neighborhood, causing further damage before crossing the town's main street and the East Branch Rock River. It continued through the eastern side of Mayville, damaging areas near the golf course, then moved northeast through rural areas before dissipating[10][28]
This tornado began by toppling a power pole, then caused significant damage at a campground near Schnable Lake, flipping trailers and damaging roofs with falling trees. It continued through Martin where it inflicted its most severe structural damage before weakening and dissipating near the Allegan/Barry county line.[36]
This tornado caused primarily tree damage, with several homes experiencing minor roof damage or being struck by falling trees. Multiple docks on Gun Lake were heavily damaged, including one with several sections torn off and thrown far into the water.[37]
Numerous structures had minor damage; others were damaged by falling trees. Tree damage was the main occurrence throughout this weak tornado's path.[39]
A tornado touched down north of M-106, uprooting a few trees and snapping large tree limbs. It damaged a shed roof near the highway, then moved northeast where it damaged more tree limbs and three roofs at a dairy farm. The tornado continued east-northeast, snapping hardwood trees before ending near the Lakeland Trail.[42]
This tornado caused extensive tree damage along its path. It began southwest of a golf club, crossed the Bad River and into a park, then dissipated near a neighborhood north of the park.[42]
A center-pivot irrigation system was overturned, several power poles were snapped, an outbuilding and a house had their roofs damaged, and minor tree damage occurred.[43]
This tornado uprooted a large hardwood tree and peeled siding from a home right when it formed. It intensified as it moved south-southeast, snapping several hardwood trees at their trunks. The tornado then followed a discontinuous southeast path, damaging a wood fence and tree branches near a residential area. It snapped a telephone pole before continuing into Collings Lakes, where it downed large branches, peeled metal roof sheeting from an outbuilding, and caused scattered tree damage before dissipating.[44]
A strong tornado touched down along Route 49 near the Iron-Wayne county line and tracked northeast into Des Arc, causing minor damage to homes along the highway. It reached peak intensity within Des Arc before weakening and dissipating just north of Route 143.[47]
This strong tornado touched down east of Burfordville, majorly damaging the roof of a home. Further along its path, an outbuilding was heavily damaged and a mobile home was minorly damaged. Several trees were also uprooted along the track.[10][48]
A high-end EF1 tornado touched down in Federal Hill Park in Baltimore where several trees were uprooted and large branches were snapped in a linear path toward the Patapsco River. It crossed the river and continued into Canton Waterfront Park, leaving a path of downed trees and branches through the shoreline area. In the Canton Crossing mall area, the tornado damaged a fitness facility by punching a hole in the wall, lifting part of the roof, and blowing it east-southeast. It then tracked east-southeast toward Dundalk, crossing I-895 and I-95 before hitting the Holabird Industrial Park where several warehouses suffered structural damage—mainly from wind entering large garage doors and lifting roofs. A metal and wood awning was damaged and two tractor-trailers were overturned at an Amazon facility where some debris was blown north. In northern Dundalk, the tornado caused major roof and siding damage to homes and apartments, including a large roof section torn from one row of apartments and thrown into another. Further east, a residential area west of MD 157 experienced extensive structural and tree damage, including snapped tree limbs and a home's roof being lofted onto a nearby roadway. The tornado continued into neighborhoods east of MD 157, where tree and utility pole damage was observed before dissipating near Stansbury Park.[10][49]
1 death – This strong tornado formed in extreme west-central Greene county, damaging many large hardwood trees, blowing in a barn door, and causing minor roof damage to several homes. A fatality and three injuries occurred when a large tree fell on a vehicle. The tornado strengthened as it moved northeast, crossing SR 54 and causing structural damage to numerous homes and snapping or uprooting many large trees. It reached EF2 intensity north of Linton where several homes sustained severe damage, including one brick home that lost its roof and had a collapsed wall. The tornado continued east, maintaining EF2 strength northwest of Switz City where a well-anchored home suffered major damage. As it tracked through the ridges and valleys south of Worthington, it weakened slightly, producing weak tree and roof damage before lifting.[50]
A high-end EF1 tornado began near Rhodesdale, snapping and uprooting many trees with a clear convergent pattern. It briefly weakened before regaining strength, causing more tree damage and lifting a farm building off its foundation in the Galestown area,[51] where the tornado reached its peak width and intensity. As it entered Delaware, it continued to snap and twist trees in multiple areas, including a park and residential neighborhood. The tornado eventually dissipated near Broad Creek.[44]
This long-tracked, strong tornado began in west-central Monroe County, damaging many trees and causing minor structural impacts before severely damaging a large horse barn, removing its roof and two walls. It continued into the Clear Creek area, where it caused minor home damage and tore the roof off a poorly-anchored post office, snapping numerous trees nearby. As it moved east, it caused near-continuous EF0 to EF1 damage until intensifying near an old state road, where it destroyed unanchored outbuildings, tossed debris and a metal unit, and caused substantial roof damage to rental units while rolling several cars. The tornado then reached EF2 intensity at an older motel, removing its roof and walls and snapping trees behind it. As it crossed into Brown County, the tornado remained on the ground through dense forested terrain, occasionally hitting structures, and widened to nearly a quarter mile. EF2 damage was found in eastern Brown County, especially in Brown County State Park, where it intensified and widened to its peak width, snapping and uprooting nearly every tree in a long continuous swath through a campground and over ridges and valleys. The tornado then narrowed, with remaining damage mostly to trees and some weak structural impacts. It entered western Bartholomew County, causing tree damage and reaching EF1 intensity in northern parts of Grandview Lake before weakening and dissipating just east of the lake.[50] This tornado briefly displayed a three body scatter spike on radar at 23:57 UTC. This phenomenon was associated with debris aloft and is distinctly uncommon for tornadoes.
This tornado started by causing minor tree damage as it moved east-northeast into southeastern Clark County. It continued into York, where it damaged multiple trees and a farm outbuilding. The tornado then crossed the Wabash River into Indiana before dissipating.[10][55][50]
A high-end EF1 caused total destruction to a detached garage/barn, damaged several farm buildings, and snapped or uprooted multiple trees before lifting just west of I-55.[10][48]
This significant tornado began with minor damage to a couple of homes before moving east into Todd county. It caused the most severe damage when it destroyed several chicken houses and swept away a mobile home. Along its path, dozens of trees were snapped or uprooted and a few outbuildings sustained damage before the tornado lifted west of KY 181.[10][56]
This strong tornado began in far southeast Saline county, producing its most severe damage early in the path by snapping numerous trees and breaking wooden power poles. As it moved east into southern Gallatin county, it weakened while crossing IL 1 near Gibsonia. The tornado dissipated just before reaching the Ohio River.[10][57]
This tornado initially broke large limbs from both softwood and hardwood trees. It continued northward, downing numerous trees at several properties and causing minor siding and roof shingle damage to at least one home. A more concentrated area of damage included uprooted and snapped large, healthy trees. The most severe damage occurred when a well-built outbuilding experienced a total collapse of its exterior walls. Tree damage persisted across nearby fields, and the tornado's final impact point included uplifted roofing on a barn and minor siding and shingle damage to a nearby home before it dissipated.[10][58]
An intense tornado scoured agricultural fields before intensifying as it moved east across areas to the south of Morganfield. Several homes suffered severe to near-catastrophic damage with roofs and most exterior walls removed. The tornado weakened after crossing KY 56 and lifted in the eastern part of Union County.[10][59]
This strong tornado touched down north of I-24, causing shingle damage to a house and significant damage to a couple of barns. As it moved east, it uprooted or snapped dozens of trees. Several homes sustained roof damage, particularly in residential areas along its path. The tornado snapped about half a dozen power poles as it crossed US 41 Alt.. Before lifting, it caused additional damage to a house and outbuildings near the end of its track.[10][56]
This tornado touched down just east of US 431, causing minor tree damage near a residence. As it moved rapidly eastward, it caused weak damage to an outdoor shed, scattering debris into a nearby field. The tornado strengthened to EF1 near a small metal garage, lifting its roof, and continued to damage rooftops and outbuildings along its path. Its most significant damage occurred as it collapsed the exterior walls of a large farm building and shifted other nearby structures. After crossing a creek, the tornado weakened, producing additional tree damage before crossing US 68 and lifting shortly afterward in a field.[10][61]
St. Louis, Missouri/Granite City–Glen Carbon, Illinois
This large,fast-moving,and deadly tornado caused significant damage to portions of the Greater St. Louis area. It first touched down at 2:41 pm CDT in Richmond Heights just east of the I-170 and I-64/US 40 interchange in St. Louis County,Missouri. After initially uprooting trees and snapping tree branches at high-end EF0 intensity as it moved east-northeastward,the tornado quickly intensified as it moved into Clayton,snapping and uprooting trees at high-end EF1 intensity. The tornado then caused widespread tree and power pole damage at Fontbonne University;one area of EF2 damage was noted with some power poles that were snapped. The tornado then entered the City of St. Louis,where the tornado sirens failed to sound before the tornado hit as the emergency manager who was supposed to sound them was at training session and away from her office while the back-up button at the fire department was broken and they only received one directive to sound them,but it was garbled and ambiguous.[62] The tornado snapped more trees in the Wydown/Skinker neighborhood before causing additional widespread tree damage as it clipped Forest Park and the Skinker DeBaliviere neighborhood. The tornado began to intensify quickly and reached EF2 intensity as it struck DeBaliviere Place. It heavily damaged multiple apartment buildings,damaged homes,shattered windows,and snapped and uprooted numerous trees. In the Central West End and Academy neighborhoods,more homes,churches,mid-rise buildings,traffic lights,power poles,and trees were heavily damaged.[10][63] The strengthening tornado then impacted the neighborhoods of Fountain Park,Lewis Place,and Kingsway East. Several businesses and brick townhouses had walls and windows blown out and roofs partially and completely removed,and there was widespread damage to trees,power poles,and traffic lights.[10] Part of the Centennial Christian Church,with three people inside,collapsed;although everyone was rescued,one person later died from their injuries.[64] Other churches had windows shattered and exterior damage as well. Two areas of low-end EF3 damage occurred on the northwest side of the tornado's path,with a strip mall being partially destroyed and a brick townhouse being flattened;the neighboring brick townhouse was damaged at EF2 intensity. By this time,the tornado had grown into a large wedge that was nearly a mile wide.[10]
Low-end EF3 damage to family residence in St.Louis.
The tornado then struck the The Ville and Greater Ville neighborhoods at EF2 intensity. Many brick townhouses and other homes collapsed or were heavily damaged,with roofs removed and exterior walls knocked down;many trees were damaged,and power poles were snapped.[10] The Harlem Tap Room bar,with 20 people inside,also collapsed,but no fatalities occurred there. This damage was likely caused by the rear flank downdraft as it was outside of the tornado's damage path.[64] The tornado peaked at mid-range EF3 intensity along North Newstand Avenue,flattening multiple brick townhouses. Another brick townhome on Marcus Avenue was also flattened at EF3 intensity,and a church nearby had its roof partially removed and its steeple knocked off.[10] Around this time,the tornado warning for the area was upgraded to a Particularly dangerous situation tornado warning due to radar confirming the presence of debris being lofted by the tornado.[65] Along Natural Bridge Avenue (Route 115),a tall flagpole was heavily damaged before the tornado moved into the O'Fallon neighborhood just west of Fairground Park at EF2 intensity.[10] More brick townhouses,other homes,businesses,and churches were heavily damaged and had shattered windows,and power poles and trees were snapped. This included some brick townhouses that collapsed at O'Fallon Park.[10] The tornado then crossed I-70 into the North Riverfront neighborhood,damaging multiple warehouses and snapping power poles as it moved through an industrial area in a train yard along BNSF Railway's Hannibal Subdivision before crossing the Mississippi River into Madison County,Illinois.[10]
The now smaller and weaker tornado then moved ashore west of Granite City,damaging trees as it moved east-northeastward. The tornado then crossed IL 3,and struck the northern part of the city,damaging homes and snapping and uprooting more trees. The tornado then crossed IL 203,damaging more trees,businesses,homes,and a medical center. The tornado then struck Pontoon Beach,damaging more trees and homes. The tornado then crossed IL 111 and moved into an open field before passing over the I-270 and I-255/IL 255 interchange. The tornado then moved through the northwestern part of Glen Carbon,damaging a storage facility and more trees. The tornado then crossed IL 157,causing minor damage to a home before dissipating southwest of Edwardsville just east of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus at 3:05 p.m. CDT.[10]
The tornado was on the ground for 24 minutes,had a path length of 22.77 miles (36.64km),was 1,750 yards (1,600m) at its largest width,and moved at an average speed of 55mph (89km/h).[10][66] The mayor of St. Louis confirmed that five people were killed and the tornado caused $1.6 billion in damage.[67][68][69] At least 35 patients,including two in critical condition,were received by St. Louis Children's Hospital and Barnes-Jewish Hospital.[67] Barnes-Jewish Hospital said they were seeing at least twenty and possibly thirty patients,while the St. Louis Children's Hospital said they received fifteen.[4] All of the injured victims,except the critically injured,were discharged on the same day.[64]Ameren reported more than 100,000 customers without power in the city.[70] In all,38 people were injured by the tornado.[10]MetroLink cancelled Red Line service between Wellston and Central West End stations and Blue Line service between Maplewood–Manchester and Central West End stations.[71]
Shawan–Crowder–Blodgett,Missouri
Shawan–Crowder–Blodgett,Missouri
A home southwest of Blodgett,Missouri,mostly leveled at mid-range EF3 intensity. One fatality was located here.
This narrow but intense tornado touched down over the small community of Shawan in eastern Stoddard County at 3:52 p.m. CDT and moved just south of due east along Route Y. It first caused EF0 damage to the roof of a home,which also had a tree partially fall on it,before snapping trees at EF1 intensity while also inflicting EF0 damage to an outbuilding.[10] The tornado wobbled southeastward and intensified,unroofing a one-story home along County Highway 585 at low-end EF2 strength. Afterwards,the tornado began a more erratic eastward motion as it crossed into Scott County,damaging power poles,flipping irrigation pivots,and snapping and uprooting trees at EF0-EF1 strength. The tornado then struck the community of Crowder,destroying an outbuilding,collapsing part of another,and snapping more trees.[10]
The tornado continued to flip irrigation pivots before crossing US 61,blowing down 10 new power poles high-end EF1 intensity.[10] After passing through an open field,the tornado snapped trees in a wooded area before it reached its peak intensity as it moved along Sloanville Drive southwest of Blodgett. A mobile home along this road was obliterated and swept away,with the debris left in a pile next to the foundation at low-end EF3 intensity;a home nearby was also destroyed,with most of its walls knocked down at mid-range EF3 intensity. A fatality was confirmed in both structures. EF1-EF2 damage also occurred with another mobile home and outbuildings being destroyed,other homes and mobile homes being heavily damaged with roofs partially to completely removed and exterior walls knocked down,and wooden power poles and trees being snapped. Vehicles were also damaged,and debris was strewn throughout the area.[10]
Continuing just north of due east,the tornado then moved through neighborhoods south of Blodgett and crossed I-55 at EF2 intensity. Multiple homes in this area were heavily damaged,with roofs removed and exterior walls knocked down. One home was shifted off its foundation,another had its second story completely removed,and a third collapsed. A family of four sheltered in the hallway of the third home;an elderly lady was injured,but everyone survived. A business was also destroyed,and trees were snapped or uprooted,including one tree that fell on a home. Along County Highway 524,more trees were snapped a garage door was blown in. The tornado then turned east-southeastward,removing the roof and knocking down the exterior walls of another home and destroyed a large barn at high-end EF2 intensity,killing two dogs and two horses at this location. It also caused minor damage to another home. The tornado then steadily weakened,blowing shingles off the roofs of homes,uprooting trees,and snapping tree branches before dissipating just west of the village of Diehlstadt at 4:15 p.m. CDT.[10]
The tornado was on the ground for 21 minutes and had a path length of 16.35 miles (26.31km). At its widest,the tornado was 200 yards (180m).[10] The tornado resulted in two fatalities and ten injuries,about 40-50 homes were heavily damaged,with 15 destroyed.[72][73][74]
Wolf Creek–Hudgens–Marion,Illinois
Wolf Creek–Hudgens–Marion,Illinois
A two-story home south of Marion,Illinois swept away at high-end EF4 intensity.[75]
The storm that produced this violent,fast-moving tornado was first tornado-warned at 5:09p.m. CDT by the National Weather Service St. Louis,Missouri while it was over Sainte Genevieve County,Missouri;[76] another tornado warning was issued two minutes for parts of Perry County,Missouri by the National Weather Service Paducah,Kentucky as it crossed over into its CWA.[77] The initial circulation then dissipated and a new one formed further to the south and progressed eastward,crossing the state line into Illinois.[78] Following the issuance of a fifth tornado warning for the cell at 6:08p.m. CDT,[79] the tornado touched down along Grassy Road at 6:15p.m. CDT northwest of Wolf Creek in Williamson County,initially causing mostly EF0 tree damage as it moved due east.[10] Nearing IL 148,the tornado intensified to EF1 strength,destroying an outbuilding and heavily damaging a mobile home as it crossed the highway.[10] The tornado then rapidly intensified and reached high-end EF3 intensity as it struck the USP Marion,a federal prison,where several staff housing buildings had their roofs removed and multiple exterior walls knocked down.[10][80] At this point,the tornado warning for the storm was upgraded to a Particularly dangerous situation tornado warning due to radar confirming the presence of debris being lofted by the tornado.[79] Continuing eastward at EF3 intensity,the tornado caused heavy tree damage,including some trees that were stubbed and debarked,as it approached and crossed I-57,and snapped a large double wooden post transmission line at its base. The tornado then struck Hudgens,snapping trees and damaging several homes as it crossed IL 37,including at least one home that was leveled and at least one other one that had exterior walls knocked down.[10] The tornado then weakened to EF2 intensity as it continued eastward,heavily damaging homes and mobile homes as it crossed Market Road and Andrew Road.[10] At this time,a new tornado warning with a rare tornado emergency tag was issued for the storm due to a large debris ball showing up on radar.[81]
NEXRAD radar scan of the Marion,Illinois EF4 tornado
South of Marion,the tornado abruptly intensified again and became violent,reaching its peak intensity on Kyler Court,sweeping a two-story house off its foundation and debarking and stubbing hundreds of trees behind the home. This home was nailed to its foundation rather than being anchor-bolted,but was still deemed to be well-constructed. The damage to the home and ground scouring,along with the extreme tree damage nearby led to a high-end EF4 rating with winds of 190mph (310km/h) being assigned to this home. The presence of intact shrubbery near the home,and absence of anchor-bolting precluded a higher rating. Another home nearby was almost completely leveled,other homes had roofs removed and exterior walls knocked down,and an outbuilding was destroyed,with numerous trees also falling on the debris from the structure.[10] The tornado then weakened somewhat but remained intense as it crossed Wards Mill Road at mid-range EF3 intensity. Two homes were leveled,with an injury occurring in the second one,other homes had roofs removed and exterior walls knocked down,outbuildings were demolished,four wooden power poles were snapped,and trees were shredded.[10] The tornado then weakened further,but remained strong,continuing eastward at EF2 intensity through more rural and wooden areas. Most of the damage along this portion of the path was trees being snapped,although it also destroyed an outbuilding,heavily damaged a home,and snapped power poles as well.[10] The tornado reintensified to high-end EF3 strength again as it crossed IL 166,sweeping away an unanchored home,leveling a nailed-down home,and removing the roof and knocking down some exterior walls of a third home.[10] Afterwards,the tornado steadily weakened,destroying an outbuilding at EF2 intensity and then causing increasingly sporadic tree damage before lifting at 6:32 p.m. CDT. The tornado was on the ground for 17 minutes,had a path length of 16.57 miles (26.67km),and was 575 yards (526m) at its largest width.[10] Seven people were injured.[82] The storm would remain tornado warned for four more hours as it continued eastward,producing three additional tornadoes before weakening below severe limits over northwestern Hardin County,Kentucky.[83]
County officials instituted an overnight curfew due to unsafe travel conditions. Volunteer centers,including two Red Cross shelters,opened in Marion the following day.[84]
Whittle–Somerset–London–Lida,Kentucky
Whittle–Somerset–London–Lida,Kentucky
A photograph of the tornado in London illuminated by a lightning flash
This large,long-tracked,and devastating tornado first touched down in Russell County in Whittle at 10:27 p.m.EDT. The tornado partially removed the roof off a home and an outbuilding as it moved east-northeastward and crossed KY 76 before rapidly intensifying to high-end EF2 intensity,significantly debarking and stubbing hardwood trees,and destroying mobile homes and a camper. The tornado then snapped and uprooted trees and destroyed a garage at EF0-EF1 intensity before strengthening to low-end EF3 intensity as it crossed Gosser Ridge Road. A one-story brick home had its exterior walls destroyed,several trees nearby were snapped and uprooted,and another home sustained minor roof damage.[10]
Major damage to the Warrior Martial Arts building south of Somerset at low-end EF3 intensity.
The tornado then crossed into Pulaski County and continued eastward,causing damage as it passed near Faubush and Nancy. It caused heavy roof damage to homes and snapped trees and power poles before crossing Fishing Creek and strengthening as it came down a steep hillside and struck the southern side of Somerset.[10][85] It inflicted widespread damage to homes and businesses throughout this area,with EF3 damage occurring along Parkers Mill Way and US 27. It then caused catastrophic damage at the South Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation facility on the eastern side of the city,damaging every building in the complex,most being leveled and some buildings being partially swept of their foundations,along with damaging some other businesses.[85] The tornado continued eastward and moved through the Daniel Boone National Forest,reaching its peak width of just under a mile as it moved through the forest and into Laurel County. Swaths of trees were mowed down,debarked and sanded into stubs in this area,a high-tension power pole was lifted,crumpled,and thrown several hundred yards downwind,and multiple residences were destroyed.[85]
The strengthening tornado then exited the forest and began impacting large residential areas south of London. Just before crossing I-75,the tornado became violent and obliterated the Sunshine Hills subdivision at EF4 intensity with winds of 170mph (270km/h). Many homes in this area were leveled and swept away,vehicles were thrown and mangled beyond recognition,and trees were heavily debarked and stubbed. Most of the casualties from this tornado occurred here.[85] The tornado then crossed I-75 and continued eastward at high-end EF3 intensity,causing widespread catastrophic damage in residential neighborhoods as well as the London-Corbin Airport,where several hangars as well as aircraft,including at least one Beechcraft T-34 owned by the Lima Lima Flight Team and a medical helicopter,were thrown and destroyed.[85][86][87] East of there,the tornado caused additional significant mid-high-end EF3 damage at Levi Jackson Park,the Laurel County Fairgrounds,Crooked Creek Golf Course,and other residential areas.[85] The tornado then abruptly weakened significantly,causing only EF0 damage as it crossed KY 80 and KY 488 before dissipating west of Lida at 11:56 pm EDT.[85]
The tornado was on the ground for 89 minutes,tracked 59.92mi (96.43km),and reached a peak width of 1,700yd (1,600m).[88] Laurel County declared a mass casualty incident. In all,17 people have been confirmed dead in London,as well as one person in Somerset,and one woman in Russell County;at least 10 others were injured as well.[85][89][90][91][92] The tornado damaged or destroyed 1,500 homes and did $350 million in damage in Laurel County alone.[93] This became the deadliest tornado in eastern Kentucky history.[94][95]
Aftermath
The city of St. Louis and surrounding areas like Clayton declared a state of emergency,after city officials confirmed 5 deaths across the city from severe weather.[67]
Non-tornadic effects
Severe weather occurred over a wide area,including strong wind gusts and large hail. One person was injured in Macon,Illinois,when a tree fell onto a house.[96] A dust storm warning was issued for Chicago,Illinois, with winds up to 70mph (110km/h) and near zero visibility.[97] In Northern Virginia,two people were killed after trees fell onto their vehicles.[98] In West Chester,Pennsylvania,a man required rescue from his car due to flash flooding.[99]
Heat wave
High temperature records for May 15 were broken in Chicago[100] and Houston.[101] A daily record high was also broken in Oklahoma City on May 14.[102] The high temperatures in Minnesota also led to several wildfires,which burned 32,000 acres and destroyed 150 structures.[103] Wildfires in Manitoba resulted in two deaths.[104]
↑ "PAH Tornado Warning #131". Iowa Environment Mesonet. National Weather Service Paducah, KY. Archived from the original on May 17, 2025. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
↑ National Weather Service in St. Louis, Missouri (May 18, 2025). NWS Damage Survey for 05/16/25 Tornado Event (Report). Iowa Environmental Mesonet. Archived from the original on May 19, 2025. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
↑ "PAH Tornado Warning #131". Iowa Environmental Mesonet. National Weather Service Paducah, KY. Archived from the original on May 17, 2025. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
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