UPDATE: NWS says Saturday’s storms produced winds of more than 100 mph east of Jefferson City

By Brian Hauswirth
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The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis says straight line winds with speeds up to 105 miles per hour blew through mid-Missouri’s Cole and Osage counties Saturday afternoon during the Fourth of July.

The NWS says while there were no deaths or injuries, hundreds of trees were blown down near Osage City. Several power poles were also snapped. The NWS says numerous structures were damaged.

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The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis says Saturday’s straight-line winds in Cole and Osage counties damaged hundreds of trees and snapped several power poles (July 6, 2026 graphic courtesy of NWS St. Louis Twitter)

Jefferson City emergency management officials remind residents to be aware of potential scammers going door-to-door to offer debris cleanup after the storms. Jefferson City officials urge you to verify that contractors are licensed and insured and to be cautious of anyone demanding large upfront payments.

What’s next: Jefferson City-area residents who suspect fraud from anyone going door-to-door are encouraged to call law enforcement.