ST. LOUIS — Mayor Cara Spencer placed the city’s emergency management commissioner on administrative leave after warning sirens failed to activate before a deadly tornado that killed five and injured dozens on May 16.
What Happened During the Storm
Mayor Spencer described the tornado as “the most horrific and deadly storm” in her lifetime. The emergency management commissioner, Sarah Russell, and her team were out of the office as the storm approached and couldn’t activate the warning sirens.
- Russell contacted the fire department for help, but unclear instructions delayed siren activation.
- Spencer said the siren activation process was ambiguous, which “cannot happen” during such emergencies.
- The mayor’s office announced Fire Captain John Walk will lead the Emergency Management Agency until a permanent commissioner is chosen.
- Protocols have been changed to give the fire department control over siren activation going forward.
Impact and Response to the Tornadoes
The National Weather Service reported at least six tornadoes hit Missouri and Illinois, damaging more than 5,000 properties in St. Louis alone.
- The storm system affected the Upper Midwest and eastern states, killing over 30 people.
- Mayor Spencer estimated the damage in St. Louis at about $1 billion.
- Officials criticized the federal response, saying FEMA had not yet deployed staff to the affected areas by May 19.
- Spencer stressed the need for immediate federal assistance to help with recovery efforts.
Next Steps for St. Louis Emergency Management
The mayor’s move signals a focus on improving emergency response and accountability following the deadly storm.
- Leadership changes aim to ensure better communication and faster action during future emergencies.
- St. Louis officials continue to coordinate with state and federal agencies to address storm aftermath and assist victims.
Information sourced from:
- Office of St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer
- National Weather Service
- MSNBC interview with Cara Spencer
