Tornado Recovery Priorities and Progress Report December 2025

We are focused on stabilizing individuals, buildings and the community, while building the foundation to build back better.

December 22, 2025 | 2 min reading time

We are focused on stabilizing individuals, buildings and the community, while building the foundation to build back better. Our current priority is to ensure those affected by the tornado are able to stay safe and warm this winter as we continue with our restoration efforts.

Current Recovery Statistics

Housing

2,900+ Owner-occupied homes and 2,200+ rental units damaged.

  • 184 homes have received emergency stabilization or repairs from City
  • Launched emergency rental and hotel assistance for at risk residents
  • 340+ rental units in contracting process for repairs for displaced residents
  • 517 residential building permits issued in tornado zone

Debris

Estimated 900,000 tons of debris to be removed (estimated by US Army Corps of Engineers).

  • 140,000+ estimated tons of debris removed (533K cubic yards)
  • 69 buildings demolished (10 by City)
  • 6,000 estimated trees cut or trimmed
  • 1000+ applications initiated for private property assistance

Supports

10,000+ impacted households with incomes below 80% of the area
median income.

  • $44M+ in FEMA assistance to residents
  • $14M allocated by City to support 50+ nonprofits meeting resident needs
  • ~30 Disaster Case Managers and Community Health Workers hired to support resident recovery
  • 1,103+ Winter Safety Intake Forms completed through outreach

Community

800+ businesses and 7 schools impacted.

Resident Recovery Programs and Funding

  • Total Allocated: $427M
    • Across City ($124M)
    • Federal ($200M)
    • State ($103M)
  • City Allocated: $124M
    • $103M contracted/committed
    • $55M spent

See more detailed funding allocation info in the full report.

What’s Happening Next?

  • December: Activate full winter plan to ensure residents stay safe and warm, including providing rental assistance.
  • January: Begin expanded rapid repair program and early state debris funded efforts.
  • February/March: Launch state-led debris removal efforts, which will expedite the number of demolitions and create a pathway for rebuilding.

Related Resources

Documents

Related Stories

  1. City of St. Louis Winter Shelter Fund Now Accepting Donations to Help Community Through Winter of Unprecedented Need Dec 18, 2025: The City seeks to add more funding to help provide shelter and services for unhoused residents and individuals and families affected by the tornado.
  2. City of St. Louis Expands Water Utility Assistance to Get More Past-Due Accounts on Track for Repayment Dec 18, 2025: The City has updated eligibility requirements and extended repayment terms for the program, enabling more residents to repay past-due water bills.
  3. Yard Waste Collection Discontinued During Winter Months 2025 Dec 04, 2025: City yard waste collection will be discontinued starting the week of December 10.

Related Services

  1. Apply for the Impacted Tenants Fund The Impacted Tenant Fund project assists eligible city renters who have been forced to relocate from their residence due to building condemnation or to the May 16 tornado.
  2. Sewer Lateral Repair Program Sewer Lateral Repair Program covers repairs to sewer line under the right of way
  3. Child Support Services Information and Overview to file with Child Support Services
  4. Obtain Land Records How to search for and obtain land records from the Recorder of Deeds Archives Department
  5. Request Winter Safety Assistance Tornado-impacted residents, complete this form to connect to services that will help you stay safe and warm this winter.

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