Tornadoes left a trail of destruction in communities from the southeastern Ozarks to the Missouri Bootheel and St. Louis area late Friday night.
A tornado hit the town of Bakersfield near the Ozark/Howell County line around 8:30pm Friday, destroying homes and businesses in the area.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol says three deaths have been confirmed in Ozark County, with the sheriff confirming the third fatality to the patrol.
Six deaths were reported in Wayne County in southeast Missouri, as well as one fatality in Butler County and one in Jefferson County.
The National Weather Service reported a large tornado debris signature emerged from the tornado that tracked through the Bakersfield area. Radar showed debris reaching at least 18,000 feet into the air as the tornado passed through. This is indicative of a strong tornado.
A tornado was also reported at the Moody Fire Department in Howell County. Golf ball size hail was reported in the Nebo area. We’re getting reports of multiple houses destroyed along County Road 9000 in Howell County.
The Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies are urging residents in these communities to avoid debris-filled areas and to watch for downed power lines.