Latest on Branson tornado
Kendra McKinley pulls a flag from the debris of her grandparents river camp home in Henderson, KY. Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012. Waves of strong storms ripped roofs off homes, apartment buildings and a bank and destroyed 
several buildings in north-central Kentucky.
AP Photo/The Gleaner, Darrin Phegley
Updated Feb. 29th, 2012 at 8:25 p.m. Eastern
Preliminary reports have at least 20 tornadoes touching down in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana Wednesday, killing at least 11 and leaving paths of damage in their wake. The tornado that hit Harrisburg, IL early this morning has now been rated EF-4, with 170 mph winds.
Tornado watches and warnings are still in effect. If your area is under a tornado warning, TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY!
Fatalities, injuries, and damage by state:
ILLINOIS
- 6 Dead in Harrisburg. The youngest victim was 22 years old.
Approx. 100 people were injured. 80 received treatment at the local hospital.
- 300 structures damaged.
MISSOURI
- 3 Fatalities, all adults
- Approx. 40 injuries.
KANSAS
- 6 people were hospitalized due to injuries sustained in Harveyville.
- 1 Injury in Wilson County.
- 24 Counties suffered structural damage.
TENNESSEE
- 2 fatality and an unknown number of injuries in Cumberland Co, TN.
Track the Severe Weather:
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon spoke to The Weather Channel’s Mike Bettes Wednesdy afternoon. Said the Governor, “Branson has seen significant damage as the tornado ran down the main drag, bouncing from business, to business, to business. But, thanks in part to the ‘Joplin effect’ and the early warning system, people were allowed to get inside to safety.” The “Joplin effect” is a reference to the EF5 tornado that devastated Joplin, MO on May 22, 2011.
