Extreme weather in mid Missouri causes trees to fall

Trees have fallen around mid-Missouri, and the recent strong winds and rain might be to blame.

More heavy wind is expected, with a wind advisory in effect for the entire area again Thursday.

University of Missouri atmospheric science professor Tony Lupo said trees falling recently likely have to do with the weather mid-Missouri got this winter.

“We had some very heavy snows, and that has knocked a lot of branches down,” he said.

He said ice and wind have also taken branches off trees.

“The wind as it blows is going to knock branches off, especially ones that are weak,” Lupo said.

Lupo said the wet winter means soil is more moist than normal.

“If it’s wet and moist, the soil is weaker,” he said.

Lupo said this could make it more likely for a tree to be uprooted during strong winds.

Though Britt Smith of Jefferson City Public Works said a tree fell Tuesday night and the wet soil might be a contributing factor.

“We’re always concerned with windy conditions and what storm damage could be,” Smith said.

This includes roof and other property damage as well as trees. Smith said if someone in Jefferson City sees a tree in the road, they should report it through the Jefferson City Police Department.

Lupo said high winds can actually be a hidden benefit for trees.

“With some of the branches that are coming off, it’s actually a positive because some of the branches that are coming down are these dead branches that the tree doesn’t need to have on them anymore,” he said. “If these dead ones come down, that’s okay.”