Dozens die in U.S. tornado outbreaks

At least 18 people died in tornadoes in Kentucky on Friday, and severe weather claimed the lives of nine others in the South and Midwest. In southeastern Kentucky, suspected tornadoes swept through rural Laurel and Pulaski counties, damaging hundreds of homes. In Pulaski County, a longtime veteran of the fire department died while responding to calls for help, the Associated Press reported.

In the St. Louis area, a tornado likely touched down near Forest Park, home to the St. Louis Zoo, art and history museums, and other public attractions. One person died and several were injured when parts of a nearby church collapsed. Mayor Cara Spencer said 5,000 homes were damaged and called the storm’s devastation “truly heartbreaking.”

What will recovery look like? Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Saturday evening that, thanks to the efforts of more than 700 utility workers, only about 72,000 residents remained without power across the state. That was down from a total of more than 170,000 who lost power during the storm. Several state roads throughout the area were closed, and some could take days to reopen, Beshear said. In St. Louis, emergency workers searched homes looking for injured residents. The most damaged neighborhoods were under an overnight curfew on Saturday.