Fact Check: Missouri lost nearly 20 lives due to severe weather this spring.

Fact Check: Missouri Lost Nearly 20 Lives Due to Severe Weather This Spring

What We Know

The claim that "Missouri lost nearly 20 lives due to severe weather this spring" requires careful examination. As of now, there is no definitive data confirming this specific number of fatalities linked to severe weather events in Missouri during the spring of 2023. The National Weather Service has documented significant severe thunderstorm and tornado outbreaks, particularly in March 2025, which may contribute to public confusion regarding the timeline and impact of severe weather in the region. However, the specific claim regarding fatalities in spring 2023 lacks corroboration from reliable sources.

Analysis

To evaluate the claim, we must consider the sources available. The Missouri Department of Revenue and MO.gov provide general information about state services and alerts but do not specifically address severe weather fatalities. The National Weather Service does report on severe weather events, including tornadoes, but the data pertains to events in 2025, not the spring of 2023.

The absence of a clear report or data from credible sources such as the Missouri Department of Health or local news outlets reporting on fatalities from severe weather in spring 2023 raises concerns about the accuracy of the claim. Furthermore, while severe weather can indeed lead to fatalities, the specific figure of "nearly 20 lives" appears to be unsubstantiated at this time.

Conclusion

Needs Research. The claim that Missouri lost nearly 20 lives due to severe weather this spring cannot be verified with the current available data. There is a lack of credible sources confirming this specific number of fatalities, and the existing reports focus on different time frames or do not address fatalities at all. Further investigation and updated reports from reliable sources are necessary to clarify the situation.

Sources

1. MO.gov
2. Missouri - Alert Message
3. Summary of Significant Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Outbreak of ...
4. Missouri Department of Revenue
5. State of Missouri Disability Portal | Disability Benefits
6. Minimum Wage | Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial …
7. Proposition A - Paid Sick Time Benefits - Missouri labor
8. Make a Payment - Missouri Courts