VILLA RIDGE — Dozens of businesses and homes in Villa Ridge were damaged by severe weather on Friday evening. The Franklin County community was devastated by high winds, thunderstorms and a possible tornado. 

Franklin County police say employees evacuated safely from a Villa Ridge Burger King on Highway 109, after the roof collapsed around 11:15 p.m. A driver was hospitalized after several semi-trucks overturned nearby, causing hours-long backups and ongoing closures on I-44, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation. 

Residents say some mobile homes were destroyed. Several roads in Villa Ridge are closed due to downed power lines.