St Louis storms - 5/16/25

[Freed Roger]

Yesterday, I was asked up to help out by a friend and his co-worker with a housing non-profit. They both are accredited with chainsaws , so a leader at the Urban League sent us out to clear trees where it was helpful. With staying away from first responders work, private property. Utility lines and limited access to some streets, we ended up driving around a lot of the area. We did help clear a few trees from corners and off a fire hydrant. But about half the time we were onlookers trying to be respectful, not waving our phones around at the devastation.

Side note : we had an interesting discussion yesterday about tragedy porn. Such as when does information raise awareness to people that might actually help , vs feeding people's weird fetish over people hurting (or worse- the racism) But since they were in housing and trees, they felt the need to document some of it. I took a few pics when homeowners werent around to share with my family

With all the vacant lots, the people community is smaller, and seems an older-aged demographic. A lot of good things happening -many people in their yards with pop-up tents collecting and dispensing food, water etc. Seems like everybody knew each other. Every once in a while there was a wrecked house with likely a matriarch or patriarch figure to the area - and they would have a large gathering around them.
Fountain Park is a nice area and it was pounded. in the park and ar the Urban League they were up and running with aid.

Food isnt an issue for now, lots of BBQ in the air.

Kind of overwhelming, and since I was with guys in the housing arena, they had quite a few grim observations. Much work that can be done on boarding and tarping. Not sure what stages people are in, shock but the togetherness and rallying around each other seemed to help. But could get tough and other stages of grief may set in.

Two stories - there was a massive down tree messing up a street. We couldn't get down the street so we just got out and helped clear it. My friend trained and wearing hardhat and chaps got in their with his chainsaws. 3 other people running chainsaws (without the protective gear) and 6 or so of us dragging it away. Kind of chaotic and not a word said amongst us with the chainsaws. Knocked it out and everyone quickly moved on.

Then, at the end of day we were already acclimated to seeing destroyed houses And people sitting or going amongst it. We see this woman and 12ish year old girl making their way out of the remains of their house. The top half of it mostly gone , roofing material flopping over the doorway. Behind them dragging their suitcase out the ruins. It was jarring to see.

Going to be a long haul once the emergency phase ends. Individuals, business, City, state, federal cooperation at an all time low. Its not a blank slate to work with, especially with carpet bagger McKee already entrenched. But at some point, people will want this location, I would hope.

[IMADreamer]

I kind of feel like a jackass. I spent the weekend at my cabin relaxing. I guess I didn't realize how bad it was down there since we don't have internet or TV at the cabin. I should have been down there helping clean up.

[GeddyWrox]

FVCK McKee in particular.

[GeddyWrox]

I've been finding out about the devastation very gradually over the last few days. It's incredibly sad, and I do suspect land speculators will swoop down and have their way with several neighborhoods over the next few years.

I don't have any relatives who live in St. Louis anymore, but I did grow up in a neighborhood just six or seven blocks from where the tornado passed through. I have no idea how people weathered the storm, but do hope people are o.k.



I did look up my old house. I still think it looks quite cute, as does the neighborhood.

I will say that the city has changed a lot since I last lived there in the 80's, but nothing improved my mental health more than moving from St. Louis. It was, psychologically, the best thing that ever happened to me.

I love these gingerbread style STL houses. Timeless classics.

[Freed Roger]

My friends that do environmental and cleanup work are readying to help this area. Going to be a while before that is the main priority though.

I encourage anyone and everyone to get involved with trash cleanups, where ever you live.

1) they are a lot of fun
2) connects you to community (which is how I ended up in North City yesterday )
3) same as 2 - great people involved - some of my better friends I've met this way - bonded in trash and tires.
4) If you can humble yourself to pick up garbage - you make yourself a better person.
5) it can be a good workout.
6) you go to places you never knew existed in your area.

[GeddyWrox]