Fact Check: "Missouri's tornadoes killed nearly 20 people this spring."
What We Know
The claim that "Missouri's tornadoes killed nearly 20 people this spring" is not accurate. According to multiple sources, the tornadoes that struck Missouri in March 2025 resulted in a total of seven fatalities within the state. Specifically, five of these deaths occurred in St. Louis, while two were reported in Scott County, located in southeastern Missouri (New York Times, NPR).
The broader context of the severe weather during this period indicates that while Missouri experienced significant damage and loss of life, the total number of fatalities attributed to tornadoes in the state was far below the claim of nearly 20. Additionally, the overall death toll from tornadoes across multiple states during this event reached at least 27, but this figure includes deaths from Kentucky and Virginia as well (NPR, Wikipedia).
Analysis
The claim appears to be an exaggeration of the actual events. The National Weather Service reported a total of seven deaths in Missouri due to tornadoes on March 14, 2025, which is corroborated by various news outlets (NWS, NWS). The sources detailing the fatalities provide a clear breakdown of the casualties, confirming that the number did not approach 20.
Moreover, the New York Times reported on the aftermath of the tornadoes, specifying that the fatalities in Missouri were limited to seven individuals (New York Times). This aligns with the information from the NPR report, which also confirmed the seven deaths and highlighted the extensive damage caused by the storms (NPR).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, including reports from established news organizations and official weather service data. The National Weather Service is a reliable authority on weather-related incidents, and its reports are typically grounded in verified data. The New York Times and NPR are reputable news outlets known for their thorough reporting and fact-checking practices.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that "Missouri's tornadoes killed nearly 20 people this spring" is false. The actual number of fatalities in Missouri due to the tornadoes was seven, significantly lower than the claim suggests. The confusion may stem from the overall death toll from tornadoes across multiple states during the same period, but the specific figure for Missouri does not support the assertion made in the claim.
