Severe storms hit Lincoln County; Billboard crushes business

April 18, 2026 - 20:46

A line of severe thunderstorms swept through the St. Louis region Friday evening, bringing intense winds and prompting late-night tornado warnings in Lincoln County. The communities around Moscow Mills bore the brunt of the weather, with residents waking Saturday to scattered storm damage.

One of the most dramatic incidents occurred along Highway Y, where powerful straight-line winds toppled a large billboard. The structure collapsed directly onto a nearby business, causing significant destruction to the building. Emergency crews responded to the scene to assess the damage and ensure safety. No injuries have been reported from that particular incident.

Beyond this, the storms left a wider path of disruption across the county. Preliminary reports from local authorities indicate downed trees, scattered branches, and some power outages as utility teams work to restore electricity to affected areas. The full extent of the damage is still being evaluated as daylight allows for better assessment. Residents are advised to exercise caution while navigating area roads, watching for debris and any remaining hazards left in the storm's wake. Cleanup efforts are expected to continue throughout the weekend.