Background
On December 10th, 2021, a powerful tornado struck the St. Louis metropolitan area, causing significant damage and leaving thousands without power. The tornado was part of a larger severe weather outbreak that swept across the Midwest, producing multiple tornadoes and damaging winds.
Tornado Path and Impacts
The tornado touched down in Hazelwood, Missouri, at approximately 9:30 PM CST. It then traveled northeast through the suburbs of Ferguson, Florissant, and Hazelwood before dissipating near the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.
The tornado’s path of destruction was approximately 10 miles long and up to a mile wide. It damaged or destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, uprooted trees, downed power lines, and caused numerous injuries.
Damage Assessment
The total cost of damage caused by the tornado is still being assessed, but it is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Table 1: Preliminary Damage Assessment
| Category | Estimated Damage |
|---|---|
| Residential Buildings | $200 million |
| Commercial Buildings | $150 million |
| Infrastructure (power lines, roads, etc.) | $100 million |
| Total | $450 million |
Response and Recovery Efforts
Emergency responders迅速 rushed to the scene and began rescue and recovery operations. Thousands of residents were evacuated from their homes, while utility crews worked to restore power and water service.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared a major disaster in the area, making federal assistance available to affected residents and businesses.
Long-Term Recovery
The recovery from the tornado is expected to take months or even years. Many residents are still displaced from their homes, and businesses are struggling to rebuild.
Local and state governments, along with community organizations, are working together to provide support to those affected by the tornado.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When did the tornado occur?
- December 10th, 2021, at approximately 9:30 PM CST
- Where did the tornado touch down?
- Hazelwood, Missouri
- How long was the tornado’s path?
- Approximately 10 miles
- How wide was the tornado’s path?
- Up to a mile
- How many homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed?
- Thousands
- How much damage is estimated to have been caused?
- Hundreds of millions of dollars
- What resources are available to those affected?
- FEMA assistance, local and state government support, community organizations
Additional Resources
Conclusion
The recent tornado event in St. Louis was a devastating event that caused significant damage and disruption. The community is still working to recover, and support is available for those affected.
Tornadoes in St. Louis During December
Tornadoes during December are uncommon in St. Louis, Missouri. Historically, they have been rare and have minimal impact. However, there have been a few notable December tornado events in the area:
- December 18, 1987: An F1 tornado touched down near Fenton, Missouri, and moved through the southern part of the city, causing minor damage.
- December 2, 2000: A weak EF0 tornado struck south St. Louis County, causing scattered tree damage.
- December 26, 2015: An EF0 tornado formed in Jefferson County and crossed the Mississippi River into the southern part of St. Louis, causing scattered roof and tree damage.
While the likelihood of a tornado occurring in St. Louis during December is low, residents should be aware of the possibility and have a plan in place to seek shelter if necessary.
National Weather Service Office St. Louis Tornado Warning, December
The National Weather Service Office in St. Louis issued a tornado warning for parts of Illinois and Missouri on December 10, 2022. The warning was issued at approximately 12:30 AM CST and expired at 1:15 AM CST. The warning area included the Illinois counties of Calhoun, Jersey, and Madison, and the Missouri counties of Lincoln, Montgomery, Pike, St. Charles, and Warren.
The tornado warning was issued based on radar data that indicated rotation within a thunderstorm over the warning area. The storm was moving towards the northeast at 35 miles per hour.
No tornadoes were reported during the warning period. However, there were reports of hail and wind damage in the area.
The National Weather Service urges everyone to be prepared for severe weather. Have a plan for what to do in case of a tornado warning and be sure to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.
St. Louis Tornado Outbreak, NWS St. Louis, December
On December 10-11, 2021, a series of violent tornadoes swept through the St. Louis metropolitan area, causing widespread destruction and claiming several lives. The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis issued numerous tornado warnings and conducted post-storm damage surveys, confirming that at least four tornadoes touched down:
- An EF3 tornado with winds up to 140 mph struck the southern part of St. Louis, causing significant damage to homes and businesses.
- An EF4 tornado with winds up to 160 mph devastated areas of Edwardsville, Illinois, and caused severe damage in Granite City.
- An EF3 tornado with winds up to 140 mph hit O’Fallon, Missouri, resulting in multiple injuries and severe property damage.
- An EF2 tornado with winds up to 110 mph caused damage in the southern portion of St. Louis County.
The NWS St. Louis praised the efforts of local emergency responders and the public for following safety protocols and seeking shelter during the storms. The agency urged residents to stay aware of weather forecasts and have a plan of action in place in case of severe weather.
Historical Tornado Events in St. Louis
St. Louis has experienced several significant tornado events throughout history. Some notable events include:
- May 27, 1896: An F4 tornado struck downtown St. Louis, causing immense devastation and killing 255 people. It was the deadliest tornado in the city’s history.
- September 29, 2001: An F2 tornado damaged several buildings in the city’s Central West End neighborhood.
- May 6, 2003: An F4 tornado struck north St. Louis County, destroying hundreds of homes and businesses.
- May 22, 2011: An EF4 tornado outbreak affected large areas of St. Louis and surrounding counties, causing widespread damage and killing 13 people.
- December 14, 2017: An EF2 tornado struck south St. Louis County, damaging numerous homes and businesses.
NWS St. Louis Tornado Climatology, December
In December, tornado activity is uncommon in the St. Louis area. On average, only 0.2 tornadoes are reported per December, with the majority of these tornadoes being weak (EF0 or EF1). The most recent tornado in December occurred on December 10, 2010, near Edwardsville, Illinois. This tornado was rated EF1 and caused minor damage to homes and businesses.
While tornadoes are rare in December, it is important to be aware of the risk and to have a plan in place in case of severe weather. If you hear a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building or underground.
Tornado Safety Tips for St. Louis Residents in December
Despite the less frequent occurrence of tornadoes during the winter months, it’s crucial for St. Louis residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential tornado activity in December. Here are important safety tips to follow:
- Monitor weather forecasts and warnings: Pay close attention to local weather reports and warning systems. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues tornado watches when conditions are favorable for tornado development and tornado warnings when a tornado is imminent or already occurring.
- Seek shelter immediately: If a tornado warning is issued or a tornado is spotted, seek shelter in a sturdy building, such as a basement, interior room, or storm cellar. Stay away from windows and avoid open areas.
- Know your evacuation route: Identify the nearest safe shelter within walking distance of your home and plan an evacuation route in advance. Practice shelter procedures with your family members.
- Stay informed: Have multiple ways to receive weather updates, such as NOAA Weather Radio, weather apps, and local news stations. Ensure all family members have access to these resources.
- Outdoor safety: If you’re caught outside during a tornado, lie down in a low-lying area and protect your head with your hands. Avoid trees, power lines, and other potential hazards.
- Check on neighbors: After a tornado passes, check on your neighbors and offer assistance if needed. Report any injuries or damage to emergency services.
Preparing for December Tornadoes in St. Louis: NWS Recommendations
The National Weather Service (NWS) issues recommendations to prepare for potential tornadoes in December, despite the lower likelihood of these events compared to the spring season.
- Be Weather Aware: Monitor weather forecasts and be ready to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued.
- Identify Safe Shelters: Determine sturdy buildings or underground shelters that can provide protection.
- Make an Emergency Plan: Establish an evacuation route and a designated meeting place for your family.
- Gather Emergency Supplies: Assemble a kit including water, food, first aid, flashlights, and batteries.
- Secure Loose Objects: Remove or secure outdoor items that could become projectiles in high winds.
- Stay Informed: Follow NWS social media or subscribe to weather alert systems for real-time updates.
- Know Your Neighborhood: Identify areas prone to flooding or debris accumulation and avoid them during a tornado.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: Stay away from windows, doors, and exterior walls during a tornado warning.
- Practice Drills: Regularly conduct family tornado drills to familiarize everyone with the emergency plan.
- Stay Calm and Act Quickly: If a tornado warning is issued, remain calm and seek shelter immediately.
Impact of December Tornadoes on St. Louis Infrastructure
The December tornadoes caused significant damage to St. Louis infrastructure, including power outages, disruption of water service, and transportation problems.
- Power Outages: The tornadoes knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of St. Louis residents, with some areas experiencing outages for several days.
- Water Service Disruption: The tornadoes damaged several water treatment plants, causing widespread water outages and boil orders.
- Transportation Problems: The tornadoes also caused damage to roads, bridges, and the St. Louis Metro light rail system, disrupting transportation throughout the city.
Tornado Damage Assessment in St. Louis, December
On December 10, 2021, a tornado struck St. Louis, Missouri, causing significant damage to the city. The tornado had a rating of EF4, with winds estimated at 165-175 mph. It traveled for 13 miles, leaving a path of destruction up to 2 miles wide.
The tornado caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Over 1,000 homes were damaged, and hundreds were completely destroyed. Numerous businesses were also damaged, including a large warehouse that was leveled. The tornado also caused power outages for thousands of residents and damaged several schools and churches.
The damage assessment process is still ongoing, but it is estimated that the tornado caused over $1 billion in damage. The city of St. Louis has declared a state of emergency, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been deployed to assist with the recovery efforts.
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