City of Clayton, MO
Home MenuOne Year Later: Tornado Recovery Update
From May 16, 2025 to May 2026
On May 16, 2025, the tornado that struck Clayton caused significant damage to our streets, trees, buildings, and public spaces. In the months since, City staff and contractors have been working steadily to repair, restore, and rebuild.
One year later, this update is for you — our Clayton residents — to share what has been completed, what is underway, and what is still ahead. Thank you for your patience and support as we've all been on this journey.
The total estimated cost of recovery across all projects is approximately $12.6 million. The City has been working closely with FEMA to secure reimbursement for eligible expenses, and several projects have already been obligated for federal funding.
What Has Been Accomplished
Clean Up: Debris, Streets, & Signs
In the immediate aftermath of the storm, the City focused on making roads and public spaces safe again. That work is now complete.
- Over $2.2 million in debris removal from roads and public property has been completed and reimbursement funds have been obligated by FEMA.
- All 210 damaged sidewalk panels and 350 linear feet of curb and gutter have been repaired. This project is eligible for FEMA reimbursement and is under review.
- All 70 damaged or missing street signs have been replaced. This project is eligible for FEMA reimbursement and is under review.
Trees: Removal, Pruning & Stumps
The storm took a tremendous toll on Clayton's tree canopy. Here is where things stand:
- 186 trees were identified for removal by certified arborists — all have been removed.
- 468 trees required pruning. City Forestry staff handled 134 trees immediately; the remaining 334 were completed under contract. All pruning is done.
- City staff have removed 207 stumps. Contract removal of an additional 370 stumps is underway, with completion expected by September 30, 2026.
Emergency Response Costs
The City spent $393,000 on emergency protective measures in the days following the storm — EOC coordination, public warnings, mutual aid, and immediate debris clearance. FEMA has obligated this reimbursement.
Work Underway
Traffic Signal at Brentwood & Orlando
Replacement of the damaged signal base, mast arm, and post-top signals is underway. Work is expected to be complete by July 2026. This project is currently under review for FEMA reimbursement.
Streetlights
Approximately 150 to 170 light poles and fixtures across 9 circuits were damaged in the storm. Design work has begun, and construction is planned from August 2026 through March 2027. Lights will be replaced in kind and type. This work is being coordinated with the Wydown Median Restoration project. This project is currently under review for FEMA reimbursement.
Estimated cost: $2.3 million.
Wydown Median Restoration
This is one of the most visible and complex recovery projects. The Wydown Median will be fully restored — including lighting, irrigation, trees, plants, and ground stabilization — in two phases:
- Phase 1 (street lighting): Construction August – October 2026
- Phase 2 (trees, plants, irrigation): Construction September 2026 – June 2027
Estimated cost: $1.7 million. Street lighting and irrigation are eligible for FEMA reimbursement. Design is underway.
Irrigation Repairs
The public irrigation system along Wydown, from University Drive to City Limits, will be fully replaced as part of the median restoration. Construction is planned for August 2026 through June 2027. This project is eligible for FEMA reimbursement.
Estimated cost: $329,000.
Tree Replanting
595 trees have been identified for replanting across Clayton — not including those in the Wydown Median project, which are handled separately. For the full list of planned tree replacements and locations, click here.
Replanting will occur over three years:
- 2027: 227 trees
- 2028: 209 trees
- 2029: 159 trees
Species for each location have been selected by the City Forester, with careful attention to diversity and long-term canopy health. The contract has been awarded, and planting begins in late 2026.
Cost: $278,000.
Still Ahead
Building Repairs
Two City-owned buildings still have roof repairs pending:
- 10 S Brentwood: Significant roof repairs involving specialty slate tile, copper panels, and copper flashing. Estimated cost: $4.3 million. This project is currently under insurance review and pending FEMA applicant project review.
- 10 N Bemiston: Roof tile repairs, underlayment, chimney cap, and canvas awning replacement. Cost: $57,625. FEMA-obligated; work has not yet begun.
- Oak Knoll Pavilion: Ceiling repair and roof tile patching.Cost: $9,222. FEMA-obligated; work has not yet begun.
Parking Lots
Asphalt surface restoration, curb and gutter repair, guardrail repair, and pavement marking at City parking lots still need to begin. Cost: $165,695. Currently pending FEMA PDMG project review.
Recovery at a Glance
| Project | Total Cost | Status |
| Debris removal | $2.2M | Complete |
| Emergency Response Operations | $393K | Complete |
| 10 S Brentwood Roof | $4.3M | In progress, insurance review |
| 10 N Bemiston Roof | $58K | Not started |
| Oak Knoll Pavilion Roof | $9K | Not started |
| Parking Lots | $166K | Not started |
| Sidewalks and Curbs | $305K | Complete |
| Streetlights (~150-170 poles) | $2.3M |
Design started. Construction est Aug 2026-Mar 2027 |
| Public Irrigation (Wydown) | $329K |
Design started. Construction est Aug 2026-Mar 2027 |
| Traffic Signal (Brentwood & Orlando) | $198K |
Construction underway. Est completion Jul 2026 |
| Street Signs (70 signs) | $21K | Complete |
| Tree Removal (186 trees) | $97K | Complete |
| Tree Pruning (468 trees) | $187K | Complete |
| Stump Removal (627 stumps) | $68K |
City complete. Contract by Sept 30, 2026 |
| Tree Replanting (595 trees over 3 years) | $278K |
Contract awarded. Planting begins Nov 2026 |
| Wydown Median Restoration | $1.7M |
Design started: Phase 1, Aug 2026. Phase 2, Sept 2026-Jun 2027 |
Thank You
Recovery from a storm of this magnitude is a long process, and we appreciate your patience and support over the past year. The City remains committed to restoring Clayton fully — and to making our community's trees, streets, and public spaces even more resilient for the future.
For questions or updates, please contact Clayton City Hall.
Previous Recovery Updates
Storm Updates
