Update: A possible tornado touchdown in the Belton, Missouri area on Friday afternoon has caused damage, according to early reports.
Local outlet KMBC-TV reported that emergency responders have secured multiple locations around the city, with authorities blocking off affected areas as crews assess the extent of the damage.
Early reports indicate several trees were knocked down, with some completely uprooted by the strong winds. Traffic signals were also damaged, adding to disruptions in the area. There are also indications of structural damage to homes.
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Initial Report: A tornado was reported near Belton, Missouri, with videos circulating on social media showing a twister close to the Interstate 49 and Highway 58 corridor.
Nearby communities, including Lee's Summit, Grandview, Belton, Raymore, Pleasant Hill, Greenwood, Lake Winnebago and Unity Village, Missouri, are also under alert as authorities monitor the severe weather situation.
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Missouri Tornado Watch
{{/usCountry}}Also Read: Tornado near Wausau, Wisconsin? Weston, Mosinee, Stevens Point, Ringle on alert
Missouri Tornado Watch
{{/usCountry}}The National Weather Service has confirmed that Tornado Watch 130 remains in effect until 9 p.m. CDT this evening, as severe weather conditions persist across parts of Missouri.
The watch covers 10 counties across central, north-central, and west-central Missouri. In central Missouri, the affected counties include Cooper County, Missouri, Howard County, Missouri, Pettis County, Missouri, and Saline County, Missouri.
In north-central Missouri, the watch extends to Chariton County, Missouri, Macon County, Missouri, and Randolph County, Missouri.
In west-central Missouri, counties under the watch include Bates County, Missouri, Henry County, Missouri, and Johnson County, Missouri.
Cities within the watch area include Adrian, Boonville, Brunswick, Butler, Clinton, Fayette, Glasgow, Keytesville, La Plata, Macon, Marshall, Moberly, New Franklin, Rich Hill, Salisbury, Sedalia, Warrensburg, and Windsor.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay alert, monitor local weather updates, and be prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued as conditions can change rapidly.