Damage Update On Violent Tornado That Ripped Through Jefferson City

Local and state officials are providing an update on the damage caused by a violent tornado that ripped through Jefferson City last (Wednesday) night.

A press conference was held this (Thursday) morning and Jefferson City Police say the tornado impacted a 3 square mile area of the city.

Officers are keeping out people who do not have a pressing need to be in the storm damaged area.

Authorities are planning a door to door search soon.

The Missouri Department of Transportation says several state roads in the city are closed due to debris.

The Highway 50 eastbound ramp to Lafaayette Street, the Highway 54 east ramp to Stadium Boulevard and the Highway 54 eastbound ramp to Route C all closed due to the debris.

Officials say most of the damage happened along Stadium Boulevard, Dunklin Street and Ellis Boulevard.

Authorities say about 20 residents were injured and taken to the hospital by EMS, however, no confirmed fatalities.

The American Red Cross has set up emergency shelters at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, the YMCA on Stadium Boulevard and the YMCA on Ellis Boulevard.

Parson has already announced non-essential state employees remain home today (Thursday) due to damaged state buildings and power outages.