UPDATE: Five people killed by tornado in Parkersburg - KWWL.com

PARKERSBURG (KWWL) -- State officials are now saying five people have died after a tornado hit Parkersburg.  A tornado has destroyed the south side of Parkersburg. 

Parkersburg has 1890 people.  The damage in Parkersburg was extensive with damage to at least four major businesses, a large number of homes, and the high school.   

Just east of Parkersburg the Sinclair Elevator was destroyed.  The town was also evacuated because a very large anhydrous ammonia storage tank was destroyed.

People were shocked to see the damage. "Just destruction from as far as you can look, everything is wrecked, there's very few houses still standing," said Jacob Smith, who witnessed the storm. Smith came to check on his aunt. "They had pillars missing in the front, and they had a piece of wood go right through their bedroom." They were lucky, others weren't so fortunate as cars and buildings were completely destroyed, changing lives forever.

Governor Culver has issued a disaster proclamation for Buchanan, Black Hawk and Butler counties. Monday Culver will visit with storm victims and assess damage in Aplington, Parkersburg, and New Hartford.