Weather
St. Louis Centennial Christian Church Mourns Beloved Member Patricia Pendleton After Fatal Tornado Strike
St. Louis, MO — The Centennial Christian Church and the broader St. Louis community are mourning the loss of Patricia Pendleton, a dedicated church member who was tragically killed when the historic church collapsed during Friday’s severe weather outbreak.
Patricia’s husband, Harry Pendleton, confirmed her passing and gave permission to share her name and photos, honoring her life and legacy. “She did everything at that church but sleep there,” Harry said, reflecting on his wife’s unwavering commitment to the congregation.
Patricia had arrived at the church by 11:00 a.m. that morning to help serve lunch to those in need—something she did with heartfelt dedication.
As the storm intensified, Patricia and two others sought shelter inside the church building.
When a tornado swept through the area, the church—located near Fountain and Aubert Avenues in the Fountain Park neighborhood—collapsed, trapping the three individuals.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and were able to rescue the other two, who were transported to a nearby hospital. Tragically, Patricia Pendleton was pronounced dead at the scene.
Patricia’s death marks one of several lives lost across the St. Louis region during the tornado outbreak, which caused widespread destruction, including power outages and structural failures.
The Centennial Christian Church, a long-standing and historic fixture of the community, suffered catastrophic damage as a result of the storm.
City officials and structural engineers are currently investigating the collapse. Early assessments suggest that high winds and compromised structural integrity contributed to the building’s failure.
The area surrounding the church remains closed as the investigation and cleanup efforts continue.
As news of Patricia’s death spread, heartfelt tributes poured in from friends, family, and church members. She is being remembered not only for her service, but for the kindness, leadership, and warmth she brought to every corner of the congregation.
Her passing has left a profound void in the lives of many who knew and loved her.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Pendleton family and the Centennial Christian Church community. Patricia’s legacy of service and compassion will not be forgotten.
Let us all take a moment to offer a prayer for Patricia Pendleton, her family, and those who continue to recover from this devastating 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.