Weather
1 Dead After Centennial Christian Church Collapses During Tornado in St. Louis City
A powerful line of storms, believed to include a tornado, swept through St. Louis on Friday, causing widespread damage—including the tragic collapse of the historic Centennial Christian Church in the city’s Fountain Park neighborhood.
The church, located at the intersection of Fountain and Aubert Avenues in St. Louis City, partially collapsed during the height of the storm, trapping three people inside.
Emergency response teams rushed to the scene and were able to rescue two individuals. Sadly, one person was pronounced dead at the site.
The victim’s identity is being withheld pending family notification.
Centennial Christian Church has stood as a pillar in the community for generations, known not only for its architectural significance but also for its longstanding role in serving local families and fostering community unity.
The building’s sudden collapse has deeply shaken residents and congregation members alike.
City engineers and emergency management officials are currently investigating the cause of the structural failure, with preliminary assessments pointing to extensive damage caused by the severe weather system.
The site has been secured and remains closed to the public as investigations continue.
“This is not just a loss of life—it’s a loss for the entire community,” said a city spokesperson. “Centennial Christian Church has long been a beacon of faith and service, and this tragedy touches everyone who called it home.”
Condolences have poured in from across the region as friends, family, and church members grieve the loss.
City leaders have extended their support and are working to assess damage and ensure the safety of surrounding structures.
The city urges residents to continue monitoring weather alerts and to report any signs of structural damage in the aftermath of the storm.
NEW JERSEY – Torrential rainfall has triggered widespread flash flooding across northern New Jersey, leaving roadways submerged, traffic paralyzed, and numerous motorists stranded.
In response to the rapidly deteriorating conditions, Governor Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency Monday evening at 7:33 p.m., urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
“Please stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Stay safe, New Jersey,” Murphy wrote in a statement released on social media.
The flash flooding has severely impacted several major roadways, including:
- Route 22: Entire sections of the highway were completely underwater, with numerous vehicles stalled in rising floodwaters. Emergency responders are on scene assisting trapped motorists.
- New Jersey Turnpike: Near Newark, both northbound and southbound lanes experienced heavy flooding, resulting in lane closures and significant traffic delays. Some areas of the Turnpike are reported to be completely impassable as water levels continue to rise.
Residents described scenes of devastation, with roads transformed into rivers and entire neighborhoods inundated. Video footage from affected areas shows cars partially submerged, and water rushing through intersections and parking lots.
Officials have issued a strong warning: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Flash flooding remains an active threat as more rain is forecast throughout the evening and into Tuesday.
Emergency management teams across the state are working to coordinate response efforts, deploy high-water rescue vehicles, and mitigate further flooding.
Despite the swift response, public reaction has been mixed, with some residents criticizing the timing and preparedness of local and state agencies.
One social media user remarked, “Don’t bother calling FEMA, nobody will answer,” reflecting growing frustration over emergency response delays.
The duration of the State of Emergency remains unclear, but officials stress that residents should continue to monitor official alerts, follow emergency guidance, and contact 2-1-1 for shelter assistance if displaced.
If you are experiencing a flood-related emergency, contact local authorities immediately.
This is a developing situation. More updates will follow as the weather event continues to unfold.