’Violent Tornado’ Tears Through Jefferson City, Mo.: ’It’s A Chaotic Situation Right Now’

A violent tornado tore through Missouri’s capital late Wednesday in what authorities described as a "chaotic" scene, leaving some people trapped, others injured and buildings damaged.

"1147 pm - Jefferson City MO - Violent tornado confirmed - shelter now!" the National Weather Service in St. Louis tweeted Wednesday night.

Jefferson City Police Lt. David Williams said early Thursday there were no fatalities reported but that authorities had been receiving calls of people stuck in their homes.

"At this point, it’s too early to tell how large the scale of damage will be," Williams said, according to the Washington Post. "It’s a chaotic situation right now. We are trying to identify the people that need our help the most."

State public safety officials said Thursday morning that at least nine people were in area hospitals for storm-related injuries. Non-essential state workers were told to stay home Thursday as crews began assessing damage to government buildings.