Heavy storms hit Missouri Friday evening, causing severe damage throughout the state.
St. Louis might have suffered the worst damage from the storm. Lambert-St. Louis International Airport is closed. Strong wind, heavy rain and hail hit the St. Louis metropolitan area. The storm heavily damaged the roof at Lambert. Wind broke glass and scattered it throughout the main terminal. It won’t be easily repaired.
“We’ll work on this 24 hours a day until we get this airport back in shape. But it’s going to be a matter of days rather than a matter of hours,” said Rich Bradley, chief engineer of the city of St. Louis, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Some flights to Lambert had to be diverted to Kansas City.
Governor Nixon declared a state of emergency through executive order. State agencies have been activated to assist local governments in response and recovery.
Ameren Missouri reports 90,000 customers lost power due to the storm, mostly in north St. Louis County and St. Charles County.
Southwest Missouri reports scattered damage. Several residents reported funnel clouds to the National Weather Service, but a meteorologist for the service reports that no tornadoes had been confirmed on the ground. The storm caused flash flooding in Howell County. Residents reported hail an inch and three-quarters in diameter in Ozark County.
State officials urge Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information or referrals to call 211. The 211 service number covers most of Missouri. In areas where the 211 number is not operational, you can call 800-427-4626. Weather and emergency information also are available on the state of Missouri’s website: MO.gov.
