State emergency officials are updating the damage totals from the weekend tornadoes that blasted so much of Missouri. Public Safety Director Mark James says that while the number of dead and injured could change nine lives are known to have been lost. James cautions the numbers are likely to change as rescue crews comb through some of the hardest hit areas. Governor Matt Blunt has issued two executive orders: one declaring a state of emergency throughout the state; and another authorizing the use of National Guard rersources should the need arise. In addition to the executive orders, Governor Blunt will sign a federal presidential disaster declaration request that will be sent to President Bush.
