Northern Missouri took a triple hit from tornadoes Saturday evening, as three twisters spun across farmland near Purdin, Shafter and Chula, snapping trees, scattering debris and damaging structures along the way. The National Weather Service confirmed two touchdowns in Linn County and one in Livingston County and identified one EF‑1 with peak winds near 110 mph. Authorities reported no injuries from the storms.
NWS Survey Maps Small-Town Scars
The National Weather Service found that the first tornado, an EF‑0, touched down around 6:22 p.m. Saturday just west of Purdin, tracking between Arbor Drive and Beacon Road on Highway 139 and lasting roughly three minutes. Survey crews documented damage to an outbuilding and a single‑family home and noted that the twister removed a "substantial area" of metal roof covering from a barn, according to KSHB.
EF‑1 Near Shafter Packs the Biggest Punch
The same supercell produced a more powerful EF‑1 that began near the intersection of Daisy and Clark roads at about 6:28 p.m., carving a path of roughly 2½ miles with peak winds estimated at about 110 mph. Surveyors reported damage to several farm outbuildings, including a well‑built barn, and said two empty grain bins were tossed across an open pasture, per KMBC.
Quick-Hitting Twister East of Chula
A third, brief EF‑0 touched down about 6:43 p.m. roughly two miles east of Chula, damaging trees south of Highway K and ripping roofing off a wood‑framed metal building before ending in a nearby field, according to KCTV. Survey notes and local reports again said there were no injuries.
Another Hit in an Already Busy Season
Those confirmations add to an unusually busy spring for the National Weather Service’s Kansas City/Pleasant Hill forecast area, which has recorded multiple tornadoes in recent weeks as survey crews continue to assess damage, according to The Kansas City Star. Local officials urged caution around downed trees and debris while cleanup continues.
Where to Find Official Updates
The NWS office in Pleasant Hill posts damage surveys and safety guidance online, and residents with storm damage or questions are encouraged to check the office's website and contact county emergency management for recovery resources. Visit the National Weather Service Kansas City/Pleasant Hill page for the latest on surveys and safety information, per National Weather Service.
