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Bellefontaine Neighbors “hammered” by seven inches of rain; Missouri heat advisory remains (AUDIO)

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The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis says parts of north St. Louis County received more than six inches of rain and flooding early Monday morning. NWS hydrologist Mark Fuchs tells Missourinet far north county was “hammered” by rain.

“Folks in north County had upwards of over seven inches of rain, measured, in automated rain gauges up around Bellefontaine Neighbors and Glasgow Village,” Fuchs says.

The NWS issued numerous flash flood warnings across the St. Louis metropolitan area this morning.

“Just an incredible amount of water and quite a bit of flash flooding across north county,” says Fuchs.

Meantime, virtually all of Missouri remains under a heat advisory until 9 p.m. Monday. The heat index in Columbia and Jefferson City makes it feel like 107 degrees, and the heat index in southeast Missouri’s Poplar Bluff is about 110.

Fuchs tells Missourinet the heat has created a dangerous situation in which heat-related illnesses are possible.

“We’re looking at heat indices in parts of west-central Missouri, heat indices might exceed 110 degrees. And the same is true down in southeast Missouri,” Fuchs says.

You’re being urged to drink plenty of water and to avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

Click here to listen to Brian Hauswirth’s full interview with NWS hydrologist Mark Fuchs, which was recorded on August 12, 2019:

Copyright © 2019 · Missourinet

Missouri outdoor cremation bill vetoed by Parson

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Legislation that would have allowed outdoor “Viking funerals” was vetoed by Missouri’s governor on Friday.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson signs legislation on July 10, 2019 (photo courtesy of Governor Parson’s office)

Governor Mike Parson (R) announced the veto in a letter to the Secretary of State’s office and to lawmakers.

State Sen. Jason Holsman, D-Kansas City, sponsored the bill, which would have allowed funeral directors to perform cremations at an outdoor human cremation facility.

Under the bill, only a licensed funeral director could have performed a cremation at an outdoor facility.

Holsman told the “Kansas City Star” this summer that Viking funerals have “been around since the dawn of man.”

In his veto message, Governor Parson called on lawmakers to do more vetting on the issue.

“The burial of our loved ones or the disposal of their remains is deeply personal and should be treated with the utmost care and respect. Without more thorough vetting to ensure that outdoor cremations can be conducted in a manner that fully disposes of the entire remains while also addressing the health and safety concerns of individuals who may be impacted nearby, I am not comfortable with allowing these types of ceremonies to be conducted in our state,” Parson’s message reads, in part.

Lawmakers return to Jefferson City in September for the annual veto session, and could attempt an override at that time. It takes a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers to override a veto.

Copyright © 2019 · Missourinet

Missouri state offices will be closed on July 4-5

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Missouri’s governor plans to sign an executive order closing state offices on Friday July 5.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson signs SB 182 into law on June 11, 2019 at Kansas City’s Union Station (file photo courtesy of Governor Parson’s office)

Governor Mike Parson’s planned order means state offices will be closed on both the Fourth of July and on Friday the 5th.

“Thank you to our state team members for everything you do for Missouri, and may God continue to bless you all. From my family to yours, we wish you a peaceful and joyous Independence Day weekend,” Parson’s statement reads, in part.

Governor Parson says the Fourth of July “reminds us of the freedoms we cherish as Americans and the brave men and women who have fought to preserve this great country. Missouri is known as a state that honors our veterans. May we never forget their selfless sacrifice on behalf of freedom.”

Governor Parson, who is out of the country, plans to sign the executive order on July 3, when he returns.

Law enforcement officers like the Missouri State Highway Patrol will be working both days, and corrections officers will be working in state prisons.

More than 14,000 state employees work in Cole County, making state government Jefferson City’s largest employer.

The Fourth of July is one of 12 Missouri state holidays.

Copyright © 2019 · Missourinet

Severe storms expected across much of central and eastern Missouri this evening (AUDIO)

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The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis warns that severe storms are expected Wednesday afternoon and tonight across parts of northeast, central and eastern Missouri.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis outlines the time frame for today’s anticipated severe weather (June 5, 2019 map courtesy of NWS St. Louis Twitter page)

NWS meteorologist Ben Herzog tells Missourinet storms are expected to develop in northeast Missouri and west-central Illinois, and are expected to push straight south.

“Primary thing we’re anticipating with these storms are strong, straight-line winds, damaging winds although these storms will also be capable of producing large hail,” Herzog says.

Herzog says 60 to 70 mile per hour winds are possible, along with lightning. He says the severe storms are expected to begin Wednesday afternoon in Columbia, Jefferson City and Moberly around the afternoon commute time.

“The most likely time for storms in those areas looks like it’s going to be around 5, 6 o’clock, something like that,” says Herzog. “Now I should say that’s going to be the time when storms are most likely.”

The NWS says severe storms are expected to impact the St. Louis region from about 4-7 p.m., and will impact the southern Missouri towns of Lebanon, Rolla and Farmington between 7 and 10 tonight.

The NWS says the St. Louis region and northeast Missouri’s Troy and Bowling Green are now at an enhanced risk of severe weather this afternoon, which means numerous severe storms are possible.

Click here to listen to Brian Hauswirth’s full interview with NWS meteorologist Ben Herzog, which was recorded on June 5, 2019:

Copyright © 2019 · Missourinet

Thunderstorms, hail and flash flooding possible Tuesday evening in parts of Missouri (AUDIO)

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Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across much of Missouri late Tuesday afternoon and evening.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill says 65 mph wind gusts, hail and an isolated tornado or two are possible across parts of Missouri on June 4, 2019 (map courtesy of NWS Pleasant Hill Twitter page)

National Weather Service (NWS) Pleasant Hill meteorologist Hal Pietrycha says the storms should start near Kansas City.

“Right now we’re watching just on the state line with Kansas and Missouri that general quadrant basically right now, south of the Missouri River, or put another way, south of I-70 at the state line,” Pietrycha says.

He says damaging winds and large hail will be the main threat. He says wind gusts up to 65 miles per hour are possible.

“Biggest threats today right now appear to be large hail, by that golf ball-sized perhaps,” says Pietrycha.

He says flash flooding is also possible.

The NWS says impacted towns could include St. Joseph, Chillicothe, Columbia, Jefferson City, Sedalia, Hannibal and Rolla.

Mr. Pietrycha also tells Missourinet an isolated tornado or two are possible today.

Click here to listen to Brian Hauswirth’s full interview with NWS Pleasant Hill meteorologist Hal Pietrycha, which was recorded on June 4, 2019:

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Sen. Hawley walks through tornado-damaged streets (VIDEO TOUR)

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Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth walking tour of damaged Jefferson City areas with Sen. Josh Hawley on May 25.

240 Jefferson City structures damaged by tornado; Hawley wants Congress to approve disaster aid (AUDIO)

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Missouri’s junior senator says tornado damage assessments must get done quickly so relief can get to impacted communities like Jefferson City and Eldon.

Missouri Senator Josh Hawley views a tornado-damaged building near the old MSP in Jefferson City on May 25, 2019 (Brian Hauswirth photo)

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R) toured tornado-damaged Jefferson City on Saturday, where Fire Chief Matt Schofield told him that about 240 homes and businesses have been damaged by the storm. The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis says the EF-3 tornado packed an estimated peak wind of 160 miles per hour.

“A lot of them (homes and businesses) destroyed. There’s going to be a lot of need for relief here,” Hawley says. “My heart just goes out to the families especially who are looking at the loss of their home, some of them without places to stay.”

Hawley took a walk Saturday afternoon along East Capitol Avenue, which is east of the Statehouse and near the old Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP). Hawley visited with residents and shopkeepers who’ve been affected.

Hawley spoke to a Missourinet reporter, across the street from a damaged building that Hawley says could cave in.

“I mean we’re looking at one whole side of the building is literally gone,” says Hawley. “The roof is gone, and I’m told that we can expect this last outer wall to fall.”

There are bricks, blocks and boards surrounding that building, along with broken glass.

Hawley praises the volunteers who showed up Saturday with chainsaws and tools, as well as mid-Missourians who have taken in neighbors and family members impacted by the tornado.

He says it’s a testament to the spirit of Missouri.

State Rep. Travis Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit, tells Missourinet that more than 1,000 volunteers showed up on Saturday in Jefferson City. They helped remove debris and assisted impacted residents and business owners.

Legends Bank served lunch Sunday to tornado victims and volunteers, at City Hall.

There were no fatalities in the Jefferson City tornado.

Meantime, Hawley also criticizes U.S. Senate Democrats, saying they filibustered disaster relief for two months.

During the East Capitol Avenue interview with Missourinet, Senator Hawley also called out a fellow Republican on Capitol Hill for holding up a $19 billion disaster relief package.

U.S. House leaders attempted to pass the disaster relief bill last week by unanimous consent, but U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) objected.

Hawley says Missourians are suffering and need relief now.

“This is enough of this. People can, they should bargain with other chips, not with this. We should not be holding up relief for our farmers and our communities,” Hawley says.

Politico reports Congressman Roy wants a roll call vote and complains the measure lacks offsets.

Senator Hawley tells Missourinet he wants U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) to bring the House back in on Memorial Day, to vote on disaster relief.

The U.S. Senate approved it on Thursday.

Some businesses that normally would be closed on the weekend have been open, due to the tornado.

The United Way of Central Missouri’s Jefferson City office was open on Sunday, and insurance companies like State Farm and American Family have set up tents at Capital Mall, where adjusters and agents are stationed.

Click here to listen to Brian Hauswirth’s full three-minute interview with U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, which was recorded on May 25, 2019 near the old Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City:

Copyright © 2019 · Missourinet

Gov. Parson’s update on storm recovery, damage assessments: Missouri is making strong progress

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Hawthorne Apartments took a direct hit Wednesday night.

Governor Parson urges Missourians to be prepared to take protective actions over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in which severe weather and flooding are being forecast.

The National Weather Service Kansas City Office expects up to three inches of rain in northwest Missouri by early Saturday morning, resulting in a Flash Flood Watch. The Kansas City NWS office is calling for a total of 4 to 6 inches of rainfall for parts of Missouri over the next seven days. This is now expected to push flooded rivers to higher levels than previously forecast

In Jefferson City, a team of volunteer engineers, architects, building inspectors, and other trained professionals Friday began assessing the exteriors of about 500 homes and buildings believed to have sustained damage to determine which are safe and which should be evacuated.

On Saturday, SEMA’s Structural Assessment and Visual Evaluation (S.A.V.E.) Coalition is expected to evaluate about 200 additional structures in Cole County that are reported to have been damaged.

Of the first 321 structures reviewed Friday, the S.A.V.E. Coalition reported the following:

  • 78 Unsafe (Severely damaged and cannot be occupied – Red placard.)
  • 60 Restricted Use (A portion of the building is unsafe – Yellow placard.)
  • 183 Safe for Reentry (Structurally safe to occupy – Green placard.)

Inspectors look for external structural damage, such as partially collapsed buildings, buildings moved off their foundations, leaning buildings, damage to supports, falling hazards from chimneys or walls, or other hazards like gas leaks or downed power lines.

“As I traveled the state yesterday and observed the devastation from Wednesday night storms, I saw people hard at work and lending a hand everywhere I went. Missouri utilities and businesses have brought on extra workers and are working extended shifts; public service workers are doing yeoman’s work, and volunteers are making a difference. The results are clear. Missouri is making strong progress in our recovery from this challenge, ” Parson said.

More updates from Governor’s Office

  • State Facilities Restoration: The Missouri Office of Administration (OA) has taken the following actions so that all state employees can return to work on Tuesday: begun cleanup efforts, worked with contractors to repair damaged buildings and roofs, worked with Ameren Missouri to restore power to several buildings, recovered IT equipment from damaged buildings, and identified temporary work spaces for employees in damaged buildings. At the Division of Employment Security building on Dunklin Street, OA has assisted in moving employees to temporary work spaces and worked to repair the HVAC system, as well as cleaning debris and helping Ameren Missouri restore power to the building.

 

  • Power Restoration: Efforts by Ameren Missouri and Three Rivers Electric Cooperative, bolstered by additional crews, have greatly reduced outages. Friday morning, in the Jefferson City area, Ameren Missouri was reporting about 3,000 outages. Three Rivers Electric was reporting about 900 outages in Cole County and about 250 in Miller County. Power is expected to be completely restored Saturday. There were more than 14,000 total outages on Thursday.

 

  • Communications Restoration: Verizon, which sustained damage that affected 19 sites in the Jefferson City area has deployed three mobile cellular sites and a mobile community center at City Hall to support first responders and affected community members with wireless communications. The company is also providing a recharging station, laptops with internet connectivity, and an air-conditioned mobile facility to support survivors and volunteers. It’s also offering unlimited calling, text, and data for customers impacted by the Missouri tornadoes.

 

  • Communications Restoration: U.S. Cellular, whose service was affected by the storms in Miller, Barton, and Jasper counties, deployed generators and partnered with another carrier to raise call capacity.

 

  • Law Enforcement: In addition to assisting local public safety agencies responding to calls for service, search and rescue, and security details in Jefferson City, Golden City and Carl Junction, the Missouri State Highway Patrol provided 21 of its law enforcement academy recruits to direct traffic in damaged areas of Jefferson City on Thursday. Also, nine Patrol troopers assisted by handling regular police calls for service in the Jefferson City area on Thursday. Patrol aircraft have been assisting with aerial damage assessments.

 

NWS wants to hear from Jefferson City residents who witnessed massive tornado

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The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis says the overnight tornado that struck Jefferson City appears to be an EF-3.

Tornado damage in Jefferson City on May 23, 2019

NWS St. Louis meteorologist Melissa Mainhart says their preliminary damage survey indicates it was an EF-3 tornado with an estimated peak wind of 160 miles per hour.

Mainhart tells Missourinet the NWS survey team is still examining damage in Jefferson City. The team has three crew members.

She’s encouraging anyone who witnessed the overnight tornado to call their spotter phone number at (636) 447-1759.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson took an aerial tour of the Capital City this morning, to view the devastation.

The tornado has caused massive damage near Highway 54, including a Best Western, Burger King, Riley Toyota and Riley Chevrolet, the Special Olympics training facility and an apartment complex.

Jefferson City Police have closed the northbound Highway 54 exit onto Christy, as crews work to restore power.

Ameren Missouri and other crews from across Missouri and other states are currently staged at the sprawling Applebee’s parking lot, west of the State Capitol.

Copyright © 2019 · Missourinet