Comptroller Baringer's statement following Friday's EF-3 tornado

(St. Louis–May 17, 2025) — On Friday afternoon, our region was impacted by an F-3 tornado. Areas within the City, including the Central West End and Forest Park, sustained significant tree damage that caused considerable disruption.

Tragically, some of our most vulnerable residents in North City have borne the heaviest impact of this tornado. We understand that approximately 5,000 buildings have been either destroyed or damaged, and around 70,000 Ameren customers are still experiencing power outages.

Search and rescue teams continue their vital work to locate anyone else affected, and we are deeply saddened by the loss of five lives thus far. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been impacted by this devastating event.

To ensure our City could promptly access the necessary equipment and services for our response efforts, I issued an Emergency Work Order. This order has enabled our CEMA (City Emergency Management Team) to begin securing essential services to support all those affected by the state of emergency declared by our Mayor.

We have witnessed extraordinary dedication from numerous entities during this challenging time. Our first responders and community members are working tirelessly to save lives, assist the injured, and provide shelter. I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in these efforts; many have worked without rest and have been separated from their families since the tornado struck.

This morning, Gov. Kehoe and U.S. Sen. Schmitt toured the devastated areas and joined Mayor Spencer and other elected officials to assure us of their full support in all necessary recovery efforts. The strong sense of unity and shared purpose was evident to everyone present.

As a city, we will face this difficult time together. We are StLStrong.

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Comptroller Donna Baringer is the chief fiscal officer of the City of St. Louis and is charged with safeguarding the city's credit rating and with protecting taxpayer dollars. Visit www.stlouismo.gov/comptroller to learn more about the Office of the Comptroller.