Here’s what we know so far about Missouri’s deadly weekend of tornadoes

Tornadoes hammered Missouri on Friday night, ripping apart homes, businesses, and the electrical system.

Gov. Mike Kehoe’s Office says at least 12 people have been killed and one person is still missing from the severe weather. Of the 12 deaths reported, three are in Ozark County; one in Butler County; six in Wayne County; one in Jefferson County, and one in St. Louis County.

Initial reports suggest as many as 19 tornadoes hit the state. Eastern and southeast Missouri took a lot of the beating.

The National Weather Service has confirmed an EF-3 tornado in Poplar Bluff, EF-2 tornadoes in Jefferson, Franklin, Phelps, and Perry Counties, and EF-1 tornadoes in Wright and Franklin Counties.

In Iron County, a tornado has been confirmed with damage rated at least an EF-3. In St. Louis County, the National Weather Service rated a tornado there at least an EF-2.

National Weather Service teams continue to assess damage to categorize other suspected tornadoes.

The twisters left widespread destruction in 27 Missouri counties. Hundreds of homes, schools, and businesses have been either destroyed or severely damaged.

At the height of the storm, more than 140,000 homes and businesses were without power, and 101 roads were closed due to debris, flooding, and structural damage.

Kehoe’s office said while significant progress has been made, about 47,000 customers remain without power.

“The scale of devastation across our state is staggering,” Kehoe said in a news release. “While we grieve the lives of those lost, we are also focused on action—getting power restored, clearing debris, and ensuring our communities have the resources they need to recover.”

Ahead of the storm on Friday, Kehoe issued a State of Emergency, which he said allowed first responders, road crews, and emergency management workers to move quickly. The Boone County Fire Protection District in central Missouri deployed a three-member to southeast Missouri’s Piedmont to help with search operations through the use of drones and other technology.

State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) regional coordinators are working with local emergency managers to make initial damage assessments in preparation for a federal major disaster declaration request.

The American Red Cross of Missouri has opened shelters at the following locations for people who are in need of a place to stay overnight or to get other basics:

• Franklin County: Moose Lodge | 905 Highway 50 in Union
• Howell County: First United Methodist Church | 503 W Main St. in West Plains
• Jefferson County: St. David’s Catholic Church | 2334 Tenbrook Rd. in Arnold
• Phelps County: First Baptist Church | 801 N Cedar St. in Rolla
• St. Louis County: North County Rec Plex | 2577 Redman Ave. in St. Louis

Red Cross shelter locations (open during the daytime only) for basic needs:

• Butler County: Black River Coliseum, 301 S. 5th St. in Poplar Bluff
• Oregon County: 501 School St. in Alton

SEMA also had reports of more than 130 wildfires on Friday, some of which damaged homes and structures. The elevated fire danger is expected to continue in Missouri this week.

For disaster-related help, 1-800-733-2767 is the American Red Cross’ number.

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