Violent storm strikes Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - The strong winds and heavy rains that pulverized Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois left downed power lines, shattered trees, and damaged roofs throughout the region.

The National Weather Service reports that winds in Olive Branch, Illinois – in Alexander County – reached between 90 and 95 miles per hour last night as the storm rushed through that area.

In Cape County, winds at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport touched 58 miles per hour. In Daisy, a barn was blown over and tree damage is widespread.

Damage was reported throughout Bollinger County. Marble Hill experienced straight line winds between 70 and 75 miles per hour. Most of the damage was reported west and north of Marble Hill, and includes some homes that lost their roofs. An unconfirmed tornado was reported west of Sedgewickville in Bollinger County, as well.

There was an unconfirmed tornado spotting near Randles, southwest of Chaffee.

Near the Mississippi County-New Madrid County line, 70 miles per hour winds were reported to have physically moved vehicles.

The National Weather Service’s Rachel Trevino says that most of the damaged was caused by the straight line winds.

"No confirmed tornadoes. Obviously, that time of night, when it’s dark, we have a hard time identifying anything. Usually you can’t tell if it’s tornado damage unless you put people on the ground. But we do believe that almost everything was straight line winds last night," Trevino said.

Power outages were widespread over night. The lights seem to be turning back on for most Ameren customers, though. As of six o’clock this morning, most of the Ameren outages are occurring in Cape Girardeau and Farmington. 137 Ameren customers are without power in Cape Girardeau. 281 Ameren customers are without power in and around Farmington.

There are also reports of outages in Delta and Oran.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

Posted in: Ameren,Chaffee,Marble Hill,National Weather Service,storm,tornado