Multiple Counties Under Tornado Threat as Storms Sweep Across the Midwest
Clayton, Missouri (May 17, 2025) — A powerful tornado touched down in the Clayton area of St. Louis, Missouri on Friday, prompting emergency warnings and widespread concern. The National Weather Service (NWS) St. Louis office issued urgent tornado warnings across southeastern Missouri as intense thunderstorms produced confirmed twisters and large hail.
Residents captured dramatic videos of the rotating funnel cloud ripping through Clayton, urging others on social media to take shelter. The NWS said the twister was radar-confirmed and likely responsible for widespread damage in affected regions.
Tornado Warnings Issued Across Multiple Missouri Counties
The National Weather Service issued tornado alerts effective through 3:45 PM CDT for the following Missouri counties: southeastern Iron, southern Madison, southwestern Bollinger, northeastern Wayne, southern Crawford, and western Washington. Cities under threat included Marquand, Saco, Steelville, and Lodi.
“Take cover now!” the NWS warned in a bulletin. “This is a dangerous situation. Flying debris can be deadly. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Move to a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.”
Multiple Tornadoes Confirmed on the Ground
- 3:01 PM CDT: Radar-confirmed tornado in southern Crawford and western Washington counties moving east at 60 mph, targeting Steelville, Courtois, and Dillard Mill Historic Site.
- Same hour: Law enforcement confirmed a tornado near Saco in southern Madison County, moving east at 40 mph with quarter-sized hail.
- Later that afternoon: Another tornado spotted near Sam A. Baker State Park in northeastern Wayne County tracking east at 45 mph toward Lodi and Cascade, with hail up to 2 inches in diameter.
Why This Tornado Was So Dangerous
According to meteorologists, the rapid speed and strength of the tornadoes were fueled by robust thermodynamic instability and strong low-level shear—ideal conditions for tornado formation. “There’s a significant threat today,” said @weathertrackus, as tracked by weather models shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Despite the tornadoes’ destructive appearance, no injuries or fatalities were reported as of press time. However, officials continue to assess structural damage, particularly in Clayton and surrounding regions.
Missouri’s Tornado Trend in 2025
This tornado adds to an already active storm season. According to AccuWeather, Missouri has recorded 57 tornado events in 2025, a sharp increase over previous years and part of a growing national trend in severe weather frequency.
Stay Prepared and Alert
Residents are advised to remain alert throughout the weekend as additional storm systems are forecast. Keep emergency kits ready, follow NOAA alerts, and have multiple ways to receive weather updates—especially if residing in mobile homes or rural areas.
If you’re in Missouri or nearby states, stay safe and follow all shelter advisories.
