ST. LOUIS — Regional leaders held a press conference Saturday morning to address the devastating storm damage in the St. Louis area. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, U.S. Senator Eric Schmidt, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer, Police Chief Robert Tracy, and Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson shared an update on the ongoing recovery efforts.
Strong winds swept through the St. Louis area Friday afternoon, leaving five people dead, over 30 injured, and more than 5,000 buildings damaged. There is widespread destruction and ongoing recovery efforts following the likely tornado, which struck Friday between 2:30 p.m. and 2:50 p.m.
“The devastation is truly tremendous,” said St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer. “As a city, we are grieving.”
Police said four people were killed Friday in the heavily damaged areas of Clayton, Richmond Heights, University City, and parts of St. Louis. A fifth person died in their car near Carondelet Park.
The city remains under a state of emergency, with crews working to clear debris, restore traffic signals, and address downed electrical lines. A citywide curfew is in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the hardest-hit areas. Police spokesman Mitch McCoy said that the curfew remains in effect for public safety.
“Our officers will be helping to enforce that curfew to protect property as well as to make sure that people are not preying on those who have been devastated,” said McCoy.
The St. Louis Fire Department has searched more than 4,000 homes for survivors and to check on injuries.
“We have a lot of work left to do. We will make sure we do a clean sweep of all of these buildings,” said St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson. “We will not leave any stone unturned.”
Emergency response activity surged in the hours after the storm. Between 2:40 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Friday, St. Louis police received more than 334 calls for service.
“If you see something, say something. If you haven’t heard from someone, call 911. Let us know so we can take the proper action,” said Police Chief Robert Tracy.
Mayor Spencer said the city is organizing donation efforts and will release information soon about what supplies are needed and where to send them.
Governor Mike Kehoe said FEMA is prepared to assist and that his staff is in communication with the White House. He noted that the region is still under a previous emergency declaration from March and that he is working to file a new one for this event.
“The message here is that we’re united at the federal, state, and local level to make sure that the people who have been injured get the help that they need,” said U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt.
“I want to thank the first responders who are still out there doing some dangerous work with some buildings that have been damaged,” he added.
Anyone needing help is urged to call 211 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
City officials plan to give another update at a press conference scheduled for 5 p.m.