Phillips 66 supports Granite City schools after tornado devastation

Tornado impact: A devastating tornado struck the St. Louis area, heavily damaging communities near Phillips 66 Midstream, Refining and Lubricants facilities.

Community support: Phillips 66 aided storm damage repairs with a $50,000 donation to the neighboring Granite City School District.

On the afternoon of May 16, an EF3 tornado tore a 22.7-mile path through central and northern parts of St. Louis before crossing into Illinois, impacting communities near Phillips 66 facilities in Midstream, Refining and Lubricants. The storm caused widespread destruction — damaging thousands of homes, businesses and buildings — and tragically claimed five lives. The tornado was on the ground for 24 minutes and reached a maximum width of nearly one mile.

Although most Phillips 66 employees were fortunate to avoid significant personal property damage, nearly everyone in the area knows of neighbors, friends or local businesses that were affected. The local Phillips 66 assets were mostly unscathed — only resulting in a localized power outage and some loss of tank insulation at the Wood River Refinery. 

One particularly hard-hit community was Granite City, Illinois. While media attention largely focused on the damage within St. Louis, Granite City suffered severe impacts, including damage to multiple schools in the Granite City Community Unit School District #9. At Prather Elementary, the roof of the gymnasium was completely torn off — just days before the end of the school year.

Storm damage at Prather Elementary School, one of the affected schools in the Granite City School District.

Located equidistant from the East St. Louis Terminal and the Wood River Refinery, as well as the Hartford Midstream Terminal and Lubricants Plant, Granite City is not only home to Phillips 66 employees but serves as a key connector community to regional operations.

To support recovery efforts, Phillips 66 is donating $50,000 to the Granite City School District to assist with storm damage repairs and ensure continuity in education.

“On behalf of the entire Granite City Community Unit School District #9, I want to express our profound gratitude to Phillips 66 for their extraordinary generosity,” said Dr. Donald Harris, superintendent of the school district. “The devastating tornado of Friday, May 16, inflicted damage upon Prather Elementary School, and this donation will provide immediate and lasting support to ensure the safety and continuity of our students’ education. Your commitment to our community is truly inspiring.”

With so many communities affected by the storm, identifying a focal point for relief efforts was challenging.

“We know this tornado has impacted many across the region,” said Melissa Erker, Director, Public Affairs, Midwest. “We chose to support Granite City specifically because of its proximity to all of our local assets. It’s a close neighbor and an important part of our operating footprint. At the same time, our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have stepped up to help provide supplies and support across the broader region.

Tracie Bryant, WWR Operator and Black Employee Network (BEN) lead, witnessed the devastation at her church in St. Louis and rallied support from other WWR ERGs. Alongside the BEN, the Women’s Network, New Hire Network and the Veterans Network organized a Tornado Relief Drive, collecting personal hygiene products and cash donations for storm victims.