JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, May 23, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — Emergency crews are responding to a violent tornado which slammed into the Missouri state capital late Wednesday night, causing widespread damage and trapping people inside their homes.
The National Weather Service reported that a “confirmed large and destructive tornado” was hovering over Jefferson City, Missouri at 11:43 p.m. Minutes later the twister touched down heavily damaging homes and tossing cars and trucks around like children’s toys.
First responders are reporting injuries and heavy damage, but have yet to confirm any fatalities. The Missouri Department of Public Safety says at least nine people have been taken to area hospitals.
The storm system that spawned the late night twister is also responsible for at least 29 tornados in Missouri and Oklahoma within the last 24 hours. According to the National Service there have been 171 tornados reported since Friday.
Tornado warnings remain in effect for parts of Missouri and Illinois with residents being advised to take shelter.
Gephardt Daily will update this story as more information becomes available.
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