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

There are erroneous reports that 100 people are hospitalized in Jefferson City due to the tornado. The State Emergency Operations Center has confirmed nine patients at Jefferson City hospitals due to storm-related injuries. #MoWx #jeffersoncity #JeffersonCityMo

---

— MO Public Safety (@MoPublicSafety) May 23, 2019

According to the National Weather Service, a “confirmed large and destructive tornado” was observed over Jefferson City, at 11:43 p.m., moving northeast at 40 mph.

The twister appeared to have traveled through the center part of town, the Jefferson City News-Tribune reported.

“We are currently identifying the location of damages and searching for injured residents,” Lt. David Williams of the city’s police department said in a statement to the News-Tribune. “The primary need at this time is for those not affected to stay clear of the impacted areas so that Emergency personnel can assist those in need.”

Williams referred to the aftermath of the tornado hit as a “chaotic” situation, KOMU reported.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety reported extensive damage along Ellis Boulevard near Highway 54 and warned of downed power lines. Authorities warned residents that all downed lines should be considered live — and advised that people stay away from areas that have experienced heavy damage.

In Jefferson City, the state capital, there is extensive damage along Ellis Boulevard near Highway 54. Power lines are down. Traffic is being diverted as @MSHPTrooperGHQ & local first responders go door-to-door. Consider all power lines live.
Stay out of areas with damage. #MoWx pic.twitter.com/cPWQi1tzCJ

— MO Public Safety (@MoPublicSafety) May 23, 2019

1147 pm – Jefferson City MO – Violent tornado confirmed – shelter now!#midmowx

— NWS St. Louis (@NWSStLouis) May 23, 2019

Here's another look at the deadly #tornado from #CarlJunction, MO on Wednesday evening. We'll continue to track #severe weather on-air and online on @WeatherNation. pic.twitter.com/qVJcIiUBdU

— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) May 23, 2019

The state’s Emergency Management Agency tweeted early Thursday that tornado warnings were still in effect in parts of Missouri and that flash flooding remained a threat as long as rain continued.

Tornado warnings continue in Missouri. Flash flooding hazard will expand as rain continues. Think of safety first. Treat non-working traffic lights as 4-way stops. #TurnAroundDontDrown #MoWx https://t.co/txq2bhgCi3

— MO Public Safety (@MoPublicSafety) May 23, 2019

Gov. Mike Parson issued a statement via Twitter:

“Major tornados across state tonight, including Jeff City,” Parson wrote. “We’re doing okay but praying for those that were caught in damage, some are still trapped – local emergency crews are on site and assisting.”

Share this article:

Facebook

Twitter