The fight for north St. Louis, 1 year after May 16 tornado

Added: 2026-05-20

[00:00:00]But first, we remember North St. Louis after a tornado ripped homes and lives apart 1 year ago today. This is not a fix it, we deal with it. This is a ongoing thing. It's going to take years.

[00:00:14]Scar are healing, but it's a long road ahead. Don't give [music] up. There's a community that cares and will help.

[00:00:23]It's been 365 days since the widest tornado in the region's history changed St. Louis forever. Thank you for joining us everyone at 10. I'm Robert Townsend.

[00:00:33]May 16th, 2025 feels like yesterday for those who survived the storm. 5 On Your Side's Melanie Johnson reports from North St. Louis where the pain from that day is still heavy.

[00:00:45]I'm standing in front of what used to be somebody's home in North St. Louis. This home completely destroyed, the roof ripped apart, bricks thrown from every part of this building, and this is what many residents see out their window every single day. Many of them I spoke to on the anniversary tell me they are fighting for their lives and to stay in this neighborhood. It kills me because we have lost everything.

[00:01:11]>> Angela Jackson. I was in my bedroom right there, me and my dog. Still grieving the home on Natural Bridge passed down from her grandmother she lost to Mother Nature 1 year ago. This is a disgrace. It's been 12 months since a tornado rocked St. Louis and caved in the place she shared with her two sons.

[00:01:32]We all separated now. It's like a Katrina story. I mean, where no one is answering our call. The weight of the May 16th anniversary heavy for those walking these streets. Neighbors stopped 5 On Your Side just to be heard like this man who tells me living in the middle of disaster and abandonment makes it hard to keep holding on.

[00:01:57]>> I'm ready to leave St. Louis. St. Louis have has done us no justice. And as much money and blood and tears that my grandmother and my my grandfather has did for this community, we have gotten nothing.

[00:02:11]Looking at the only home she's ever known just deepens the wound. After a year of silence, Angela is afraid her family's legacy will be washed away.

[00:02:22]This is my home. The destruction so catastrophic, Yvonne Smith was forced to relocate. Her commitment to community is why she still lives in North St. Louis.

[00:02:32]North St. Louis always has been good.

[00:02:34]You got some beautiful buildings here.

[00:02:36]You got some beautiful homes here. Don't give up. There's a community that cares.

[00:02:41]Refusing to leave and choosing to rebuild among the rubble. In North City, Melanie Johnson, 5 on Your Side.