ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Following a series of devastating storms that struck the region on Friday, March 14, 2025, the recovery efforts are in full swing across St. Louis County. The National Weather Service confirmed a total of 13 tornadoes, resulting in significant damage including fires, wind, and tornado-related destruction affecting numerous neighborhoods, especially in North St. Louis County.
Residents describe their frightening experiences. Chasidy Allen, a resident of Florissant, witnessed a tree snap on her front lawn during the storm. "By the grace of God, it didn’t fall on the house," Allen expressed, relieved yet aware of the potential danger. Following the storm, she arranged for crews to remove the tree and debris, as she prepared for more windy conditions anticipated in the area.
St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page is urging residents to report damage by calling 2-1-1, a crucial step to meet federal guidelines for potential assistance and reimbursement. He estimated that nearly half a million residents reported storm damage in St. Louis County following the catastrophic events.
In a proactive move, County Councilwoman Shalonda Webb proposed legislation on March 18, 2025, to allocate $5 million from Rams settlement funds for disaster relief. Her proposal passed unanimously at the St. Louis County Council meeting. Webb, in a statement, noted, “The devastation from these storms has left many of our residents facing hazardous conditions, fallen trees, and debris that threaten public safety. This emergency funding will ensure we can deploy the necessary resources to restore our communities as quickly as possible.”
Dr. Page supported Webb’s initiative, mentioning that the county also has access to an emergency fund of about $7 million, which can be reimbursed through FEMA. “I think it’s a fine idea to have extra funds available,” he stated.
The aftermath of the storm left first responders busy, with about 3,700 emergency calls received in a 24-hour period immediately following the storm's passage. The county is providing free help for debris removal and tarping for those in unincorporated St. Louis County; residents can call 844-965-1386 for assistance. Dave Wrone from the Department of Public Works indicated that the county would bring dump trucks to collect debris as long as it is placed at the curb and not on private property.
Meanwhile, assessing the damage is ongoing, with the State Emergency Management Agency actively surveying the situation, but no official estimates on the total damage costs have been released as of yet.
The cleanup efforts are tough for some local business owners, including Pops and Jeff Bailey, a father-son tree removal duo. On March 18, they were seen cutting down trees, many of which had fallen through homes. “You just want to do everything you can for them,” Jeff said, reflecting on the ordinary lives disrupted by the storms. Their quick response illustrates the community spirit as many come together to help those affected.
However, amidst the turmoil, there are concerns regarding safety and potential scams targeting vulnerable residents. St. Louis County Police are warning residents to be cautious when hiring help in the aftermath of the disaster. Chief Kenneth Gregory advised, “Make sure a company is licensed, bonded, and insured. Check if the company has a good BBB rating. Get written summaries of the work needed. Be cautious of very low or very high bids.” Police urge residents to avoid upfront payments and to identify any warning signs, reminding the public that if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Simultaneously, a separate incident during the storm raised eyebrows in St. Louis County. Crystal Ray, a woman from the county, faces charges for allegedly leaving four children unsupervised during the storm. The children, aged 8, 5, 3, and 8 months, were left alone for several hours as the storm raged, which included brush fires and downed power lines in their vicinity. A concerned family member alerted police, and upon arriving, officers noted that Ray appeared intoxicated and she resisted arrest.
Ray is facing four counts of endangering the welfare of children and one count of resisting arrest, signifying the serious nature of the charges against her amid such chaotic weather conditions.
As St. Louis County grapples with the aftermath of the storms, officials are working tirelessly to restore normalcy and safeguard the community. With emergency funds, cleanup operations, and ongoing assessments, the resilience of the county’s residents remains evident. It is a testament to the strength of community spirit when faced with the ravages of nature and unfortunate circumstances.
