Deadly tornadoes carve paths of destruction in Kentucky, Missouri

Recovery operations are underway in Kentucky and Missouri after deadly tornadoes carved paths of destruction across the regions, including the St. Louis area. FOX Weather Meteorologists Kendall Smith and Michael Estime break down the latest on May 18, 2025.

At least 25 people have died due to storms and tornadoes in Kentucky and Missouri overnight. Officials expect the number to rise.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says there are over 700 personnel working to restore power in the state. He is asking the public to check on their neighbors after the severe weather. The National Weather Service says the tornado’s long path could make damage assessments a multi-day process.
 

A home is destroyed after a severe storm passed the area in London, Ky., on Saturday.

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Destruction caused by a tornado in Somerset, Ky., on Saturday.

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Volunteers help clear debris from a road following severe storms last night in London, Ky., on Saturday.

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A man uses a back hoe to move debris into a pile following severe storms in London, Ky., on Saturday.

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Houses in a neighborhood lie damaged after a tornado struck in St. Louis on

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This story was updated to add new information.

Mississippi State baseball starting catcher Joe Powell exited the May 16 game at Missouri with an injury.

The injury occurred in the seventh inning at Taylor Stadium when Powell, a graduate senior, fielded a short ground ball, turned to first and threw for the out. He fell to the ground, and the training staff evaluated him, but Powell was able to walk off the field on his own power.

Ross Highfill replaced Powell in the field.

Three pitches later, the Bulldogs (33-20, 14-15 SEC) got the final out in a 13-3 run-rule win versus the Tigers (16-37, 3-26).

Joe Powell injury update

Interim coach Justin Parker gave a brief update on Powell’s status during a radio interview after the game ended.

“I’m not sure yet,” he said. “I think kind of back-related. Maybe his back tightened up a little bit. We’re just going to have to take a look at it tonight and see what it looks like for tomorrow.”

Who is Mississippi State’s backup catcher?

Powell wasn’t the starting catcher to begin the season, but took the job from Highfill because of his bat and defense. He has started eight consecutive games and 12 of the past 14 at catcher. If Powell can’t play, Highfill likely will take his place in the starting lineup, especially with Jackson Owen injured.

It’s the third injury of the series for Mississippi State. In Game 1 on May 15, starting left fielder Gehrig Frei left the game after an awkward landing while sliding into third base. Reserve outfielder Aaron Downs also exited that game after getting hit in the face with a pitch.

Frei and Downs didn’t play on May 16, but both were listed as game-time decisions, perhaps indicating that their injuries won’t be long-term.

MORE: Hunter Hines breaks Rafael Palmeiro’s Mississippi State baseball home run record

Joe Powell stats

Powell has started 28 games this season and bats .284 with seven home runs, 33 RBIs and 17 runs.

Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.