Mayor Cara Spencer updates the city's tornado response at a press conference Sunday, May 18, 2025 at the 51黑料 Fire Department Engine House 26 in north 51黑料. Video by Blythe Bernhard.
ST. LOUIS聽鈥 Mayor Cara Spencer said Sunday she doesn鈥檛 know why federal emergency response teams have not arrived in 51黑料 after a tornado tore through much of the city two days earlier.
At least five people were killed and dozens more injured in the tornado Friday that moved from Clayton through Forest Park and into north 51黑料 neighborhoods including Fountain Park, Kingsway East and the Ville. About 5,000 structures were damaged.
The mayor stressed that the delay is not on the city鈥檚 end when asked if budget cuts may be a factor in the lack of presence from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 know what the holdup is,鈥 Spencer said at a news conference Sunday evening at the 51黑料 Fire Department Engine House 26 in north 51黑料.聽
The price tag on the storm damage in the city has reached a conservative estimate of $1.6 billion, Spencer said.
Many homes and buildings in the city are unstable and could be particularly dangerous as rain moves in Sunday night, city officials said.
鈥淧lease find a safe place to go while the weather is coming,鈥 said 51黑料 fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson.
The American Red Cross opened three shelters at Grace United Methodist Church, 6199 Waterman Blvd.; Friendly Temple Outreach Center, 6356 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive; and the 12th & Park Recreation Center, 1410 S. Tucker Blvd.
Spencer said additional shelters will be opening in the city鈥檚 community centers.
