WASHINGTON, May 17, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - More than 20 people have died after 
severe storms swept through the southern US states of Missouri and Kentucky, 
officials and local media reports said Saturday.

Kentucky governor Andy Beshear said on X that at least 14 people had died in 
Friday night's storms. At least seven people were killed in Missouri, the 
Washington Post reported.

"Kentucky, we're starting today with the tough news that we lost at least 14 
of our people to last night's storms, but sadly, this number is expected to 
grow as we receive more information," Beshear said. "Please pray for all of 
our affected families."

The Washington Post reported, citing city officials, that five people had 
been killed in St. Louis in Missouri.

"Our city is grieving tonight," Mayor Cara Spencer told reporters Friday 
night. "The loss of life and the destruction is truly horrendous."