Severe storm warnings of large hail, damaging wind and tornadoes have been issued by the National Weather Service, following destruction in Jefferson City and Carl Junction, Missouri, on May 22. The warning is for the southern Plains region, from the Ohio Valley into parts of the Mid-Atlantic for May 23.
At least six people died as a result of the severe weather in the Plains and Midwest, following a tornado that ripped through Missouri during the night. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there were 12 reported tornadoes in Missouri.
Thunderstorm warnings have also been issued for southeast Colorado, southwest Kansas, portions of the Oklahoma/Texas Panhandles and far northeast New Mexico.
The latest issue from the NWS also said that Baltimore, Maryland, Wichita, Kansas, Pittsburgh and Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Amarillo, Texas, had an enhanced risk of storm effects.
#GOESEast got a close-up view of Wednesday night's severe weather outbreak in Missouri. More than two dozen tornadoes were reported across Missouri and Oklahoma, including several that prompted #tornado emergencies. More: https://t.co/jVODsQPMxC pic.twitter.com/Bkcq4UvYhr
— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) May 23, 2019
7:36am CDT #SPC_MD 0748 , #kswx #okwx #txwx #cowx #nmwx, https://t.co/t1NGoIZBug pic.twitter.com/OI85UJ1fpy
— NWS Storm Prediction Center (@NWSSPC) May 23, 2019
Last night, NWS said that a violent tornado ripped through Missouri's capital Jefferson City at around 11:45 p.m. local time, causing extensive damage to the area, with the Missouri State Department confirming the deaths of three people. It was also believed that the tornado might have trapped some people in their houses.
The danger is not over, with the the Missouri Public Safety Department warning people not to travel: "Please do not travel into areas impacted by the severe storms," it said on Twitter. "You'll delay the work of first responders and utility crews, and slow efforts to clear debris. You might also wind up with a flat tire or two. And we've just witnessed a crash due to rubbernecking in Jefferson City."
As of 07:53 a.m, the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center warned that strong, locally damaging wind gusts would be possible during the morning of May 23. "Several reports of 35 to 45 knot gusts have been noted across central Ohio, with one severe gust of 55 knots at Cleveland," the alert said. "While the line is likely somewhat elevated, current track indicates the line is shifting east/northeast at around 60 knots."
The alert did not warn that if trends continued a watch might be issued. The latest warning from NWS St. Louis was that "severe storms are possible this afternoon through to tonight," as well as Friday, May 24, afternoon.
The death count for storms this week is now at seven, according to The Associated Press.
Strong/severe storms are possible this afternoon thru tonight, but there are better chances of strong/severe storms Friday afternoon/night. The main threats will be large hail & damaging winds. Now is the time to plan! Check back for future updates. #stlwx #mowx #ilwx #midmowx pic.twitter.com/g0UHvyLUKd
— NWS St. Louis (@NWSStLouis) May 23, 2019
The dramatic scenes from last night, and the extent of the damage, is now being viewed in the cold light of day as those on social media share their images and experiences.
While everybody is hunkered down in their homes being safe, enjoy the pictures i’m taking outside inside the 🌪 pic.twitter.com/7hsuisNDZK
— BadBassFishingYT (@AaronKranz21) May 23, 2019
@MSHPTrooperF is also in Eldon assisting Eldon Police Department and Miller County Sheriff Department after tonight’s tornado. If you are NOT affected, please stay clear of the area and let first responders do their jobs. #MoWx pic.twitter.com/GxlNmZ3xtl
— MSHP Troop F (@MSHPTrooperF) May 23, 2019
Strong/severe storms are possible this afternoon thru tonight, but there are better chances of strong/severe storms Friday afternoon/night. The main threats will be large hail & damaging winds. Now is the time to plan! Check back for future updates. #stlwx #mowx #ilwx #midmowx pic.twitter.com/g0UHvyLUKd
— NWS St. Louis (@NWSStLouis) May 23, 2019
The 41 second mark. This is my fear, it being pitch black outside and only seeing it as lightning strikes. I would feel so alone, there's absolutely nothing anyone can do to help you. It's basically up to luck. https://t.co/7xuhNfz8RD
— KobbleObbleURobbleTobble (@KBSmiles85) May 23, 2019
This still image taken from video provided by Chris Higgins shows a tornado in Carl Junction, MO, on Wednesday, May 22, 2019. The tornado caused damage in the town about 4 miles north of the Joplin airport. pic.twitter.com/0Gas0kYTc7
— KCTV5 News (@KCTV5) May 23, 2019
Video from witness Makayla Brooks shows the large tornado as it moved through Carl Junction, Missouri, last night. Video from witness Makayla Brooks shows the large tornado as it moved through Carl Junction, Missouri. pic.twitter.com/lVhT6l92De
— Micah Grimes (@MicahGrimes) May 23, 2019
Tornado hit Eldon Missouri. Driver was sleeping in his truck. Thank you first responders. pic.twitter.com/BbK0hPHjAW
— Phillip Caster (@phillipcaster42) May 23, 2019
Shocking drone footage reveals extent of devastation caused by monster #Tornado which tore through #JeffersonCity in Missouri causing 'catastrophic damage' - one of 90 twisters to hit the Heartland since Monday, killing three pic.twitter.com/BQlVZvCx0u
— Washington News Line (@WashNewsLine) May 23, 2019
I finally have a break from LIVE shots for a bit. The damage in Jefferson City is massive! Thankfully, no reported deaths. People here are shocked by what they see. @KMOV pic.twitter.com/EJageUXwEy
— Justin Andrews (@Justin_EAndrews) May 23, 2019
Tornado passing through in Carl Junction, Missouri last evening by Ryan Stewart. #Missouri #Tornado pic.twitter.com/Z0heqll1vV
— Johnny (@Johnnys_Eye) May 23, 2019
WATCH! A tornado tore through Jefferson City, Missouri overnight. Look at the devastation! #2NewsAM pic.twitter.com/VKMjvbKtJz
— Ron Bird (@KUTVRon) May 23, 2019
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