The National Weather Service said the tornado was an EF-3, with winds of up to 165 miles per hour.The tornado caused widespread damage in New Madrid and the surrounding area.
At least five people were killed in the tornado, and dozens more were injured.The tornado also caused damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure in New Madrid and the surrounding area.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging people to stay away from the area as search and rescue efforts continue.The American Red Cross is providing assistance to those affected by the tornado.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is also monitoring the situation and is prepared to provide assistance if needed.President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster in Missouri in response to the tornado.
The declaration will make federal funding available to help with recovery efforts.The tornado is the latest in a series of severe weather events to hit the United States in recent weeks.
In March, a tornado outbreak killed at least 65 people in the South and Midwest.In April, a tornado killed at least 23 people in Alabama.
The recent spate of severe weather events has raised concerns about the increasing frequency and intensity of tornadoes in the United States.Scientists say climate change is likely making tornadoes more common and more severe.