Deadly Tornadoes Hit Missouri on 8th Anniversary of Catastrophic Joplin Tornado

Eight years to the day on the anniversary of the Joplin tornado which hit southwest Missouri, more severe weather has struck the state and left multiple people dead.

A number of tornadoes spawned across the state of Missouri Wednesday evening, leaving at least three dead in Golden City.

150 miles to the northeast in the capital of Jefferson City, a large wedge tornado struck the state capital. A wedge tornado is a tornado that is wider than it is taller, covering at times a mile or more in its width.

This tornado was so strong, that the National Weather Service says that debris was detected over 13,000 feet above the ground. While nobody was killed in Jefferson City, at least 20 people were injured and dozens of homes and businesses were damaged. Including the state capital building, which is currently under renovation.

This tornado struck around midnight, making it especially dangerous since it hit after sunset when it was dark and hard to see. Many people in the area were sleeping when the storm hit.

The National Weather Service is still assessing damage and crews are continuing to clean up, but we will be sure to update you on the strength and severity of the storm when that information is released.

The region continues to see the threat of strong thunderstorms in the coming days as the Storm Prediction Center is monitoring the area for strong thunderstorms through at least Tuesday of next week.