A large cluster of thunderstorms increased in coverage and intensity as it accelerated eastward into a rapidly destabilizing air mass. The activity was closely related to a mid-level shortwave trough moving across Iowa and Missouri, along with a low level wind maximum. The storms were associated with isolated damaging winds and a weak tornado.

Thunderstorm Wind in NEW MADRID, MISSOURI
From 23-MAY-11 15:25:00 to 23-MAY-11 15:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: MATTHEWS
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Billboards and signs were blown down on Interstate 55 between the Sikeston and Matthews exits.

Thunderstorm Wind in CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI
From 23-MAY-11 15:20:00 to 23-MAY-11 15:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: (CGI)CAPE GIRARDEAU
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A wind gust to 61 mph was measured by a trained spotter.

Tornado in CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI
From 23-MAY-11 14:54:00 to 23-MAY-11 14:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHAWNEETOWN
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Two to three eyewitnesses observed a rotating funnel cloud touch ground. Debris was observed in the air. The funnel bounced off the ground and then touched down a second time before disappearing in very heavy rain. The touchdown occurred in a rural wooded area. Very little damage was located except for minor vegetative debris on County Road 513 and one tree down. Peak winds were estimated near 65 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in MISSISSIPPI, MISSOURI
From 23-MAY-11 15:30:00 to 23-MAY-11 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHARLESTON
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

The roof of a commercial building was heavily damaged. Wind-blown debris damaged numerous vehicles. Windows were broken in a couple of buildings.

Thunderstorm Wind in CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI
From 23-MAY-11 14:53:00 to 23-MAY-11 14:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW WELLS
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An area of straight-line winds occurred up to two miles to the south and east of a brief tornado that touched down on County Road 513. From the community of New Wells to the Perry County line, over a dozen trees were snapped or uprooted. About a dozen barns were unroofed or damaged, and another barn was destroyed. A shed partially collapsed on a vehicle. A small shed was blown off a trailer. Shingles were blown off a few houses.

Thunderstorm Wind in BUTLER, MISSOURI
From 23-MAY-11 14:34:00 to 23-MAY-11 14:34:00 (CST-6)
Location: FISK
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

High winds ripped the metal roof off a storage building at the elementary school. Debris from the roof struck the elementary school, damaging air conditioning units and a corner of the school roof. Parts of the roof were wrapped around a telephone pole. Highway DD was closed because of debris. Windows were broken on two school busses. Some trees were damaged. A telephone pole snapped. At a nearby house, a porch roof was damaged and a window was broken by airborne debris.