ST. LOUIS – An apparent tornado tore through the City of St. Louis on Friday and is believed to have reached EF-3 strength, according to preliminary assessments from the National Weather Service.
NWS reports that an EF-3 tornado typically produces wind speeds between 136 and 165 mph.
A final NWS tornado, including the confirmed tornado rating, is still pending as assessments continue.
On Saturday, NWS survey crews examined damage across the city and found widespread destruction.
“Our team has made it to the Mississippi River northeast of O’Fallon Park. The worst of the damage remains in the Greater Ville, Kingsway East and Fountain Park neighborhoods (EF3). They’re starting to move back towards Forest Park and will pick the track up and take it southwest with the remainder of the day. We will likely go back out tomorrow to assess the Illinois side of the River,” said an NWS official in a statement to FOX 2.
It’s believed this particular tornado path began in neighboring Clayton and extended northeast, cutting through several north St. Louis neighborhoods.
At least five people are confirmed dead and 38 others are injured, according to St. Louis city officials. It’s estimated roughly 5,000 homes in St. Louis City also sustained damage.