Tornado

Six months after the May 16 tornado ripped through north St. Louis, people who had insurance policies are struggling to repair their homes. Some say their insurance companies aren’t making it easier.

St. Louis’ Tornado Recovery Advisory Committee is composed of 15 community members representing north St. Louis neighborhoods that were impacted by the May tornado. Their goal is to help guide city officials in immediate tornado recovery priorities.

The St. Louis Recovery Office and Department of Public Safety’s Building Division are assessing the properties as part of the STL Recovers property assistance program to determine which homes are eligible for aid in rebuilding, demolition or debris removal.

The Nolan family have a ways to go before they can move back in their home, but progress is being made.

Across north St. Louis, recovery remains slow and uncertain after the May tornado. But stories of resilience and community continue to define the city’s long road home.

St. Louis Public Schools has proposed reopening at least three of the seven schools that were damaged by the May 16 tornado in January. Drone images and a tour inside two of the schools show the extent of the damage.

While St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer says the city is grateful for federal support, she says it hasn’t been enough to help repair potentially $2 billion in damage.

Washington University’s CLEAN STL project is set to test and examine the soil and air for contamination in neighborhoods devastated by the May 16 tornado.

The Board of Aldermen originally approved spending for the Impacted Tenants Fund through American Rescue Plan Act money in 2023. It sought to provide financial aid to tenants who have been displaced from their homes.

St. Louis Public Radio is holding a community listening session Saturday, Nov. 8, at the O’Fallon Park Rec Complex to help shape our coverage of the May 16th tornado aftermath.