Storms rip through Missouri, Arkansas; homes damaged

A severe storm spawning hail, driving rain and a possible tornado roared through parts of Missouri and Arkansas overnight leaving a trail of damage in its wake, as a broader storm system stretched from Texas to Pennsylvania. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency in the St. Louis area where about 25 homes in the suburb of Hazelwood sustained damage from high winds and falling trees. Winds of 40 to 70 miles per hour were noted through the area, with a gust of 101 miles per hour clocked southwest of St. Louis, according to the National Weather Service.