Photos: Deadly tornadoes hit Kentucky and Missouri

Emily Bogle | May 17, 2025

Anthony Broughton digs through the debris of his destroyed home following a severe storm in London, Ky., on Saturday.

At least 25 people have died due to storms and tornadoes in Kentucky and Missouri overnight. Officials expect the number to rise.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says there are over 700 personnel working to restore power in the state. He is asking the public to check on their neighbors after the severe weather. The National Weather Service says the tornado’s long path could make damage assessments a multi-day process.
 

A home is destroyed after a severe storm passed the area in London, Ky., on Saturday.
A home is destroyed after a severe storm passed the area in London, Ky., on Saturday. (Carolyn Kaster | AP)
Destruction caused by a tornado in Somerset, Ky., on Saturday.
Destruction caused by a tornado in Somerset, Ky., on Saturday. (Derek Parham | WKU)
Volunteers help clear debris from a road following severe storms last night in London, Ky., on Saturday.
Volunteers help clear debris from a road following severe storms last night in London, Ky., on Saturday. (Timothy D. Easley | AP)
A man uses a back hoe to move debris into a pile following severe storms in London, Ky., on Saturday.
A man uses a back hoe to move debris into a pile following severe storms in London, Ky., on Saturday. (Timothy D. Easley | AP)
Houses in a neighborhood lie damaged after a tornado struck in St. Louis on
Houses in a neighborhood lie damaged after a tornado struck in St. Louis on (Lawrence Bryant | Reuters)
Debra El (right) rejoices after volunteers are able to get roof lining off of the road in north St. Louis on Saturday.
Debra El (right) rejoices after volunteers are able to get roof lining off of the road in north St. Louis on Saturday. (Brian Munoz | St. Louis Public Radio)
Alex Cadigan (left) helps Sam Campbell haul a large tree limb in north St. Louis on Saturday.
Alex Cadigan (left) helps Sam Campbell haul a large tree limb in north St. Louis on Saturday. (Brian Munoz | St. Louis Public Radio)

 

Auburn tabs USF’s Alex Golesh as its next coach, replacing Hugh Freeze on the Plains

The 41-year-old Golesh, who was born in Russia and moved to the United State at age 7, is signing a six-year contract that averages more than $7 million annually to replace Hugh Freeze. Freeze was fired in early November after failing to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three seasons on the Plains.

Alabama Power seeks to delay rate hike for new gas plant amid outcry

The state’s largest utility has proposed delaying the rate increase from its purchase of a $622 million natural gas plant until 2028.

Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones announces run for Alabama governor

Jones announced his campaign Monday afternoon, hours after filing campaign paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office. His gubernatorial bid could set up a rematch with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Republican who defeated Jones in 2020 and is now running for governor. 

Scorching Saturdays: The rising heat threat inside football stadiums

Excessive heat and more frequent medical incidents in Southern college football stadiums could be a warning sign for universities across the country.

The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor

The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor to join our award-winning team covering important regional stories across Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.

Judge orders new Alabama Senate map after ruling found racial gerrymandering

U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco, appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, issued the ruling Monday putting a new court-selected map in place for the 2026 and 2030 elections.

More Front Page Coverage