Jefferson City, the capital city of Missouri, has taken a direct hit from a tornado and suffered possibly “catastrophic” damage, according to reports.
There were no immediate reports about fatalities. Initial reports in local media claimed dozens were hospitalized with injuries, but state Public Safety officials tweeted Thursday morning that the reports were overblown, and that only nine people were admitted to Jefferson City hospitals with storm-related injuries.
MO Public Safety@MoPublicSafetyThere 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
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.
DOZENS OF TORNADOS SLAM MIDWEST AS FLOODWATERS RISE; AT LEAST 2 DEAD
The Missouri Department of Public Safety reported extensive damage along Ellis Boulevard near Highway 54 in Jefferson City. (Missouri Department of Public Safety)
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.
MO Public Safety@MoPublicSafetyIn 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.
NWS St. Louis@NWSStLouis1147 pm – Jefferson City MO – Violent tornado confirmed – shelter now!#midmowx
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.
MO Public Safety@MoPublicSafetyTornado 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.
NWS St. Louis@NWSStLouisTornado Warning continues for Jonesburg MO, High Hill MO, McKittrick MO until 1:45 AM CDT
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.”
Governor Mike Parson@GovParsonMOMajor tornados across state tonight, including Jeff City. 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.
The governor added later that there was damage to state buildings and power was down, so he advised non-essential state employees to stay home Thursday.
Governor Mike Parson@GovParsonMODue to the tornado and severe weather in Jefferson City last night we are asking that all non-essential state employees in the Jefferson City area remain at home on Thursday. We have damage to state buildings and power is down in some areas. Please be safe!
Meanwhile, city officials have requested help from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), the report said.
Matt Beckwith@KOMUMattDamage reports coming in from Jefferson City are heartbreaking. We are hearing reports of people trapped in there basement. If you believe in prayer please pray.
News accounts and posts on social media refer to people possibly trapped in apartment complexes, gas leaks, possible damage to the Missouri Statehouse and other impacts.
The National Weather Service had issued a tornado warning for Cole County about 20 minutes before the twister reached Jefferson City, the News-Tribune reported. The tornado first touched ground in the Eldon and Brazito areas, the report said.
Weather Nation said emergency officials were reporting “multiple injuries & structure collapses” in the city.
WeatherNation@WeatherNationBREAKING: Emergency officials are reporting to multiple injuries & structure collapses in Jefferson City, Missouri.
The state capital took a direct hit from a tornado earlier this evening. http://bit.ly/2VO6Ycw
Jefferson City Takes Direct Hit From Tornado – WeatherNation
Multiple injuries and significant structural damage has been reported after a violent tornado ripped through the Capital of Missouri, Jefferson City.
weathernationtv.com
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.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/us/tornado-in-jefferson-city-mo-may-have-caused-catastrophic-damage-reports
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