Another night of violent thunderstorms had devastating results in central Missouri, late Wednesday, with early reports of several tornadoes in Lebanon, Montreal, Eldon and near Jefferson City. The National Weather Service said it had received 22 reports of tornadoes by late Wednesday evening.
Powerful cells of thunderstorms moving northeast were beginning to develop in central Missouri at around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22. Tornado warnings began to be issued, and sirens sounded across the region.
In Eldon, witnesses are reporting a tornado caused serious damage. McDonald's and Woods Supermarket, as well as many other structures were damaged, according to early reports. Eugene, Mo. resident Jaclyn Morrow took this video and photo on Wednesday night:
The Eldon Parks & Rec Department reported the Rock Island Park had been destroyed, and other park structures had been damaged or destroyed.
In Jefferson City, what the National Weather Service of St. Louis called a "violent tornado" wreaked havoc in the area of Ellis Road and Highway 54, at around 11:45 p.m. It flipped and demolished multiple semi-trucks on Highway 54.
The Riley Chevrolet Buick GMC auto dealership was reportedly hit hard, with cars tossed by the tornado. A Best Western hotel was reportedly hit, with injuries inside. A Sonic restaurant appeared to be destroyed.
Jefferson City firefighters were beginning rescue operations, Wednesday night, and the National Guard had been called to help.
