ST. LOUIS – Mayor Cara Spencer held a press conference Monday in the aftermath of last week’s tornado that killed over five individuals, as well as injured many.
In the aftermath of the storm, many reported not hearing any sirens in their respective areas. Spencer, however, said the tornado warning was issued Friday around 2:34 p.m., but there was a “human” error in protocol.
“Within minutes, a massive weather hit the ground and was decimating our neighborhoods,” Spencer said. “In those minutes, between the warning and the time we were experiencing a massive weather event, there was a failure.”
Spencer continued to say there was a button that was not pushed. In 2021, the protocol went into effect.
“It was not exceptionally clear about whose roles or responsibilities were to do what (during the incident),” Spencer said.
Spencer said that going forward, she will ensure that the protocol will be clear for the fire department, who will now be in charge of sounding the alarm.
According to city officials, more than 5,000 buildings were impacted.
The curfew for Districts 5 & 6 will also remain until further notice, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. The curfew starts at 9 p.m. and lasts until 6 a.m.
More severe weather is expected Monday night.
