Deadly tornadoes move through Missouri

KIRKSVILLE, Mo., May 14 (UPI) -- Tornadoes ripped through Missouri and Oklahoma, killing at least two people and wrecking homes, property and businesses, officials said.

Accounts differed Thursday in the number of deaths in Kirksville, Mo., where officials confirmed four tornadoes touched down. The Kirksville Daily Press reported two deaths. CNN reported three.

The tornadoes destroyed an automobile dealership and several residences, officials in the northern Missouri city said. Adair County Sheriff Robert Hardwick said widespread damage was reported.

"From what I understand, there are a number of structures damaged, phone lines down, electrical wires down, cars that have been damaged," Kirksville Police Chief Jim Hughes said. "So at this point in time, we're really at the damage-assessment phase."

In Oklahoma, a tornado touched down near Nardin Wednesday, the Oklahoman reported. Emergency services personnel reported no injuries or property damage.

Earlier Wednesday, damaging winds whipped through the Oklahoma City metro area, damaging or destroying dozens of tents at a new farmer's market, officials said. The roof of an apartment complex was damaged and a power pole toppled onto a car.

The storm system that spawned the deadly weather in Missouri was expected to spread showers and thunderstorms into the Northeast Thursday, AccuWeather.com reported. Tornadoes weren't expected but strong winds were a possibility, forecasters said.