Predawn Missouri tornado kills at least 5, sows destruction – The Denver Post

By JIM SALTER and SCOTT McFETRIDGE (Associated Press)

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A large tornado tore through southeastern Missouri before dawn on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction and killing at least five people as a broad swath of the Midwest and South kept a wary eye out for further storms that could spawn additional twisters and hail.

The tornado touched down around 3:30 a.m. and moved through a rural area of Bollinger County, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of St. Louis, said Sgt. Clark Parrott of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Crews from more than 20 agencies were on the scene and clearing debris in search of any others who might have been killed or injured, he said.

“The damage is pretty widespread. It’s just heartbreaking to see it,” Parrott said.

The…