Tornado reported near Smithville, Missouri, warning issued for Clay, Platte counties
Update: All tornado warnings in the area have expired. The National Weather Service says to remain weather aware.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning Wednesday afternoon for the Smithville area, including northwestern Clay County and east-central Platte County in Missouri.
A tornado has been reported just west of Smithville, the National Weather Service said on Twitter.
A severe thunderstorm was moving through the area around 1:30 p.m. and it was capable of producing a tornado, the weather service said. The thunderstorm was located over Smithville and was moving north at 5 mph.
Radar indicated that there was rotation taking place in the skies. The warning is in effect until 2 p.m.
A second tornado warning was issued at 1:55 p.m. for east-central Clay County until 2:30 p.m. A severe thunderstorm was moving north near Missouri City or Excelsior Springs at 10 mph. Radar indicated that there was rotation among the clouds.
The weather service said if a tornado touches down, flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Also, mobile homes could be damaged or destroyed and damage could occur to roofs, windows, cars and trees.
People were urged to take cover and move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. They were also urged to avoid windows.
People caught outdoors should move to the closest shelter and protect themselves from flying debris.
This story was originally published July 29, 2020 at 1:59 PM.
