Storms sweep parts of Mid-Missouri with powerful winds

BLAND, Mo. (AP) - A powerful storm system that sped across the state has left several buildings damaged in a Mid-Missouri town.

Emergency management officials in Gasconade County say the storm struck the town of Bland around 4 p.m. Wednesday.

An employee at the local post office was briefly trapped but uninjured when the building partly collapsed. Two other people in Bland suffered minor injuries, and a dozen buildings sustained minor to moderate damage.

The storm swept into Missouri from the southwest around midday Wednesday and moved northeastward with winds estimated at 65 mph and higher. Trees and power poles were toppled in several communities. The wind also tore roofs and siding from some homes and barns.

Tornado warnings were briefly issued north of St. Louis, but no funnel clouds were reported.