Five killed, tens of thousands without power as Oklahoma hit with three tornadoes: LIVE UPDATES rt.com "About 80,000 people are now without electricity in Oklahoma,..."
nearly 100,000 without power in St. Louis,
KMOV 5, NBC reporting: 16 tornados being reported via Nat Weather Service for whole system
Missouri Governor Nixon declares "State of Emergency" http://www.ky3.com/news/ky3-missouri-governor-nixon-declares-state-... JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon tonight declared a state of emergency in Missouri as a widespread severe weather system continued to move across the state, bringing heavy rain, hail, straight-line winds, flooding and radar-indicated tornadoes. This severe weather follows several days of heavy rain throughout much of the state, leading to flooding along many streams and rivers. The severe weather threat continues tonight in parts of Missouri, and is likely to continue tomorrow for much of the state.
“Much of Missouri is experiencing dangerous severe weather tonight, on the heels of several days of heavy rain,” Gov. Nixon said. “I urge Missourians to closely monitor weather conditions, so they can take shelter or move to higher ground if needed. The risk of severe weather remains with us well into tomorrow. The state of Missouri will continue to work closely with local officials to help protect lives and property from these storms.”
The State Emergency Operations Center has been actively monitoring the storm system this week. Gov. Nixon has been receiving updates from his emergency management team, including senior officials from the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri National Guard, Missouri State Highway Patrol and State Emergency Management Agency to assess the current weather situation and address local needs.