Fact Check: Missouri suffered almost 20 fatalities from severe storms this spring.

Fact Check: "Missouri suffered almost 20 fatalities from severe storms this spring."

What We Know

The claim that "Missouri suffered almost 20 fatalities from severe storms this spring" is supported by multiple sources reporting on the severe weather events that occurred in the region. According to a report from the New York Times, at least 27 fatalities were confirmed across Missouri, Kentucky, and Virginia due to tornadoes and severe storms, with a significant number of those deaths occurring in Missouri. Specifically, the report mentions that at least seven people died in Missouri, with five fatalities in St. Louis and two in Scott County (source-3). Additionally, the Associated Press reported that at least seven people had died in Missouri as a result of the storms, further corroborating the fatalities mentioned.

Analysis

The claim's accuracy hinges on the interpretation of the term "almost 20 fatalities." While the reported fatalities in Missouri specifically are lower than 20, the overall death toll from the storms affecting multiple states, including Missouri, exceeds this number. The New York Times provides a detailed account of the devastation caused by the storms, emphasizing the severity of the situation in Missouri. The mayor of St. Louis described the storm as "one of the worst" in the city's history, indicating the significant impact of the weather events.

However, it is essential to assess the reliability of the sources. The New York Times is a well-respected news organization known for its rigorous reporting standards, while the Associated Press is a reputable wire service that provides news to various outlets. Both sources have a history of accurate reporting, which adds credibility to their accounts of the fatalities.

Despite the claim's wording suggesting a higher number of fatalities, the evidence indicates that the reported deaths in Missouri are indeed lower than 20. Therefore, while the overall context of severe storms resulting in multiple fatalities is accurate, the specific claim regarding Missouri's death toll requires clarification.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Missouri suffered almost 20 fatalities from severe storms this spring" is misleading. While the overall death toll from the storms affecting Missouri and surrounding states is significant, the number of fatalities specifically in Missouri is reported as seven. Thus, the claim is true in the broader context of severe storms but inaccurate when specifically addressing Missouri's death toll.

Fact Check: Missouri suffered almost 20 fatalities from severe storms this spring.