MUST SEE: Missouri SLAMMED by Massive Tornado Overnight
Americans in the midwest are suffering immensely today after a massive, terrifying tornado ripped through parts of the state.
The capital, Jefferson City was directly in the path of the storm. Reports from the area are grim, with officials calling the destruction “catastrophic”.
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.
Advertisement - story continues belowThe 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 has implied that rescue efforts are “chaotic” at this time, with much of the capitol city still in ruins.
Evidence of the damage came to light on social media early Thursday.
A tornado tore through Jefferson City, MO last night bringing extensive damage to the state’s capital. @mikeseidel is LIVE on the scene reporting on the aftermath, only on The Weather Channel. pic.twitter.com/EVKDaFku91
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) May 23, 2019
Jefferson City this morning. @KOMUnews pic.twitter.com/bG7fvkIner
— Landon (@landonjburke) May 23, 2019
One incredible photograph has gone viral as well:
https://twitter.com/yvng_adam16/status/1131492025662988290
The National Weather Service is being praised for its timely warning to Jefferson City residents that may have saved countless lives.