Fact Check: Missouri lost almost 20 lives due to severe storms and tornadoes this spring.

Fact Check: "Missouri lost almost 20 lives due to severe storms and tornadoes this spring."

What We Know

The claim that "Missouri lost almost 20 lives due to severe storms and tornadoes this spring" requires careful examination. As of now, there is no definitive source confirming this specific number of fatalities directly linked to severe weather events in Missouri during the spring of 2023. The Missouri government website provides general information about disasters and emergency management but does not specify casualty figures for the recent storms.

Additionally, the Missouri Department of Revenue and other state agencies primarily focus on administrative and financial services, lacking direct reports on weather-related fatalities (Missouri Department of Revenue).

Analysis

The absence of a reliable source confirming the claim raises questions about its accuracy. While severe storms and tornadoes are common in Missouri during the spring months, and fatalities can occur, the specific figure of "almost 20 lives" seems to lack corroboration from credible news outlets or official reports.

For example, the National Weather Service often provides updates on severe weather events, including fatalities, but no recent reports have been cited that align with the claim. Furthermore, local news outlets typically report on severe weather impacts, but a thorough search did not yield articles confirming this specific casualty count.

Due to the lack of verified information from reputable sources, it is critical to approach this claim with skepticism. The potential for misinformation is heightened in the context of natural disasters, where figures can be exaggerated or misreported.

Conclusion

Needs Research. The claim that Missouri lost almost 20 lives due to severe storms and tornadoes this spring cannot be substantiated with the available evidence. There are no credible sources confirming this figure, and further investigation is necessary to ascertain the actual impact of the storms during that period.

Sources

1. MO.gov
2. Missouri Department of Revenue
3. State of Missouri Disability Portal | Disability Benefits
4. Minimum Wage | Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial
5. Proposition A - Paid Sick Time Benefits - Missouri labor
6. Make a Payment - Missouri Courts
7. Agent/Agency Search | Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration