The “violent tornado” that tore through Jefferson City, Missouri overnight has highlighted the terrifying destructive force of tornadoes. The damage spanned about a 3-mile…
The “violent tornado” that tore through Jefferson City, Missouri overnight has highlighted the terrifying destructive force of tornadoes.
The damage spanned about a 3-mile area in Jefferson City, said Police Lt. David Williams. About 20 people were rescued by emergency personnel, and although there were no reports of missing people, authorities planned to do door-to-door checks on Thursday, he added.
This week has seen several days of tornadoes and torrential rains in parts of the Southern Plains and Midwest.
TORNADO IN JEFFERSON CITY, MO., MAY HAVE CAUSED ‘CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE’: REPORTS
The National Weather Service urges people to be prepared ahead of severe storms and tornadoes. “Know your safe location,” it explains on its website. “Be ready to act quickly if a Warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.”
If you are unable to access a specially-built tornado storm shelter or FEMA safe room, officials say that a good option is to find an interior room of a well-constructed home or building or shelter in a basement.
“Identify a safe place in your home where household members and pets will gather during a tornado: a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows,” adds the American Red Cross, on its website.
