A vicious thunderstorm, including several tornado sightings hit the St. Louis area Friday evening (April 22). According to the National Weather Service, the tornado touched down in St. Charles before causing extensive damage at Lambert International Airport, forcing its closure. Lambert officials are working around the clock in attempt to reopen by Sunday. All flights are currently grounded.
The airport’s damage included a section of the main terminal’s roof being torn off, many glass panels being shattered by the high winds and significant hail damage.
Outside of the airport, North County was hardest hit by the thunderstorm, which the National Weather Service has classified as the fourth-worst tornado in St. Louis area history. Ameren officials estimate more than 30,000 St. Louis area residents were without power Saturday morning, much of the concentration being in North County.
There are also reports of destroyed homes in the Bridgeton and Maryland Heights area. There have been no reports of casualties at this time.
The Red Cross opened a shelter to offer people a safe place to stay, along with emergency care; this shelter will remain open as long as needed:
Shelter Remains Open: Maryland Heights Community Center
2344 McKelvey Road, Maryland Heights, Missouri 63043
Information from ksdk.com and kmov.com contributed to this report.
