ST. LOUIS – Rain began to fall again on Friday, just as Pastor Donnie Moore was adjusting the tarp over St. Samuel Temple Church of God in Christ. The church had already been damaged by a tornado that struck in May, with a heavy downpour the following Monday soaking the sanctuary.

“Being a man of God, I do know that God will turn this thing around for us,” Moore said.

The congregation has adjusted, holding services outdoors.  Moore said Sunday’s services will be virtual if stormy weather is a possibility.

The recent spring storms have taken a toll on many residents in St. Louis, including Meech Brady. “Anytime it’s raining or storming or I hear a tornado siren or something going off, I’m like, ‘Whoa… okay, is this the big one? Is it going to happen again? You just never know,’” she said.

Moore struggles to remain in impacted areas for long periods. “It’s very stressful,” he said. “It’s very taxing, and you don’t know what else may fall.”

The ongoing rains have further complicated recovery efforts, according to local bricklayer Jeff Scola. “Anything that comes down in the morning usually ruins our whole day,” he said.

St. Louis resident Hezekiah Smith Jr. expressed gratitude for the help his neighborhood has was witnessed but believe the future remain uncertain.

“This happened in a matter of minutes, but it will take years to recover from, and who knows how long that will be,” he said.