A "violent tornado" touched down in Jefferson City, Missouri, causing heavy damage Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
The service reported that a "confirmed large and destructive tornado" was observed over Jefferson City at 11:43pm. Wednesday, moving northeast at 64 km/h. The capital city is located 209 kilometres west of St. Louis.
No fatalities have been reported but Jefferson City Police Lt. David Williams said they have received multiple calls of people being trapped in their homes.
"It's a chaotic situation right now," Williams said. "We need people who are not affected to stay out of those areas."Power outages are being reported in parts of the city."
More dangerous severe weather — tornadoes and flash flooding —expected overnight," according to a tweet from Missouri Public Safety.