At least five dead after tornado in Missouri

The tornado struck the state early on Wednesday. The National Weather Service said the tornado remained on the ground for about 15 minutes and traveled for 15 to 20 miles, leaving battered homes and uprooted trees in its wake. The storm touched down at around 3:30 a.m., according to police, and plowed its way through Bollinger County. Severe weather, including tornadoes, battered the Midwest, South, and Northeast last weekend, killing at least 32 people.

What are the authorities doing to address the damage? Sgt. Clark Parrott of the Missouri State Highway Patrol said more than 20 agencies are assisting in recovery and cleanup efforts. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson joined emergency personnel on the ground. Missouri was already under a state of emergency when the tornado struck, according to the Missouri governor’s website.

Dig deeper: Read my report in The Sift about last weekend’s storms.