One day after an intense tornado-warned storm system ripped through the St. Louis region, shock and devastation linger across many communities.

St. Louis County Director of Emergency Management Michele Ryan said damage was widespread, but areas to the north and west were hit hardest.

High winds have caused damage to utility lines, outbuildings and other structures and knocked down trees across the First Alert 4 viewing area on Friday evening ahead of a tornado-producing storm sweeping across the Midwest.