Tornado in Jefferson City, Mo., May Have Caused ‘Catastrophic Damage’

Earlier in the day, some Jefferson City residents and businesses were ordered to leave as the Missouri River continued to rise after recent rains.

City officials issued a mandatory evacuation order on the north side of the river. The Missouri Statehouse building, state penitentiary and nearly all of the city’s homes are on the south side of the river.

Residents of several communities in Oklahoma and Kansas also were urged to evacuate.

Jefferson City police Lt. Dave Williams told the Associated Press that only about five to 10 homes were in the mandatory evacuation area.

As a precaution, the Missouri National Guard also moved four helicopters out of the city’s airport, which also is on the north side of the river. And a Memorial Day weekend airshow was canceled.

Residents of the area, or those miles away who claimed ties to Jefferson City, posted messages of support on social media.

Prayers to anyone in Jeff City! Be careful.

— Jonathan (@JayDement20) May 23, 2019

My son and many friends in Jeff City. Praying for all. So far, everyone I know is safe. #JeffersonCity

— Kathie Conway (@KathieConway) May 23, 2019

Prayers to those affected in Eldon, the Lake area, and Jeff City. It’s been a wild and awful evening.

— Andruw Wittels (@AndruwWittels) May 23, 2019

Growing up in mid-Missouri you kind of always laughed at tornado sirens never believing it would actually happen, tonight changed all that. Prayers for Jeff City, say what you want about that place, but it will always be home

— Alyssa Shouse (@AlyssaShouse2) May 23, 2019

Jefferson City lies near the center of the state, about 158 miles east of Kansas City and about 132 miles west of St. Louis.

Storms also struck other parts of Missouri on Wednesday night, with a large tornado blamed for three fatalities in the Golden City area of Barton County,

Story cited here.