National Weather Service meteorologist Rick Shanklin says the tornado that struck the area near Perryville, Missouri, Tuesday night was a strong one, though the wind speed has not yet been determined. Perryville Fire Chief Jeremy Triller says the twister was on the ground for up to 15 miles, starting in Missouri and ending in Illinois. The National Weather Service was investigating reports of as many as seven tornadoes in the state of Illinois.
Hundreds of homes have been damaged or destroyed in storms that began Tuesday night. A 24-year-old Perryville, Missouri man died when the vehicle he was in was blown off of Interstate 55 and he was ejected. Police identified the victim as Travis M. Koenig. Two people died in Illinois. More than 100 homes in the area near Perryville were damaged, at least 60 of them destroyed. Twelve people were injured but none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
White House spokesman Sean Spicer says the White House will stay in touch with state and local officials to provide federal support as needed.
(Staff and wire reports)