Severe weather leaves Missouri dealership in ruins

Strong storms passed through the area on Wednesday night.

A new car dealership in Jefferson City, Missouri, is dealing with the aftermath of severe weather that swept the region on Wednesday, leaving thousands without power and at least three dead.

Riley Auto Group, a franchised Chevrolet and Toyota dealer in Jefferson City, "took a direct hit” from a powerful tornado Wednesday night, resulting in heavy damages. Images posted online show fallen buildings and overturned cars piled on top of one another.

Fortunately, no employees were injured in the storm. However, the damaged is such that the dealer group says "Riley Chevrolet and Riley Toyota will be closed to all public and employees until further notice.”

Kevin Riley, president of Riley Auto Group, has vowed to rebuild the dealership.

"In the last 83 years, we have never experienced devastation like this to our dealerships,” he said in a Facebook post. "Riley Chevrolet is a family owned and operated dealership that has stood tall since 1936. This storm may have physically torn us down, but Riley Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac, Riley Toyota, and Riley Collision Center stand tall and will rebuild, coming out stronger and closer than ever before.”

Photos courtesy of Ricky Ellis.