Severe storms leave 14 dead in Kentucky, at least 7 in Missouri

Storm systems sweeping across parts of the Midwest and South have left at least 21 dead, including nine people killed after what appeared to be a devastating tornado in southeastern Kentucky.

In Kentucky, some 14 people were killed by severe weather, and the death toll is likely to rise. Earlier, local authorities in Laurel County said nine people were killed after a tornado touched down, causing structures to crumble and flipping over a car on I-75.

The National Weather Service hadn’t yet confirmed that a tornado struck, but meteorologist Philomon Geertson said it was likely. It ripped across the largely rural area and extended to the London Corbin Airport shortly before midnight.

The storms were part of a weather system Friday that killed seven in Missouri and also spawned tornadoes in Wisconsin, left several hundred thousand customers without power in the Great Lakes region and brought a punishing heat wave to Texas.

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed five deaths in her city and said more than 5,000 homes were affected. Hospitals in the area reported receiving dozens of patients, with some in serious condition.

The apparent tornado touched down in the area of Forest Park, home to the St. Louis Zoo and the site of the 1904 World’s Fair and Olympic Games.

A Saint Louis Zoo spokesperson said in a text that the zoo would remain closed Saturday because of downed trees and other damage. They said all animals were safe and that there were no reports of significant injuries to staff, guests or animals.

A tornado struck in Scott County, about 130 miles south of St. Louis, killing two people, injuring several others and destroying multiple homes.