Severe Storms Lead to Tornado Damage and Fatalities in Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado touched down in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on the evening of April 2, 2025. The tornado tracked approximately 8.33 miles and registered peak winds of 100 miles per hour, causing damage but fortunately no reported injuries.

n

The tornado began its path near the Dalhousie Golf Club around 6:56 p.m. and moved northeast into the southwest side of Cape Girardeau, impacting neighborhoods and businesses before crossing the Mississippi River. As the storm advanced, it caused tree damage and minor structural damage to several buildings in downtown Cape Girardeau.

n

According to the NWS, the tornado was approximately 150 yards wide at its peak. By 7:06 p.m., the tornado had dissipated, but the impact was already evident. Onlookers reported fallen trees and damaged power lines throughout the area.

n

A representative from the Missouri State Highway Patrol later confirmed that one fatality occurred due to the severe storms that gripped the region. “This is the only reported fatality at this time, and search efforts are underway to ensure everyone is accounted for,” said the spokesperson for the highway patrol.

n

As emergency crews patrolled the damaged areas, they indicated that power outages were widespread, affecting numerous neighborhoods. By 8:40 p.m. on the same day, the Cape Girardeau Fire Department confirmed that all residents were accounted for and no further information on missing persons was available.

n

In the wake of the storm, Governor Mike Kehoe activated the Missouri National Guard to assist with response efforts. The governor’s office issued a statement, urging residents to remain vigilant due to ongoing severe weather threats across the state. “We are prepared to support our communities and protect lives as this weather system continues through the week,” Kehoe said.

n

A series of tornado watches and severe thunderstorm warnings were issued across southeastern Missouri and neighboring states. By Thursday, meteorologists anticipated additional severe weather that could bring further tornado threats and heavy rainfall across the region.

n

The NWS also reported significant rainfall totals ranging from 2 to 8 inches, which raises concerns for flooding in vulnerable areas. The organization warned residents to avoid flooded roadways and take necessary precautions to stay safe during these weather events.

n

Missouri’s recent severe weather history has been troubling; earlier in March, a separate storm system spawned at least 13 tornadoes, resulting in 13 fatalities across parts of the state. In response to this previous event, federal aid has been requested for 28 counties impacted by those tornadoes, with damage estimates reaching $26.9 million.

n

Local authorities remind residents to remain alert for updates from weather services and follow safety protocols during severe weather. As recovery efforts begin in Cape Girardeau, the community is bracing for possible new weather events that may complicate cleanup efforts.