Immediately after being briefed at the State Emergency Management Agency, Gov. Jay Nixon signed a State of Emergency Executive Order in response to the storm system that moved rapidly across southern Missouri today. The system has caused widespread property damage, several injuries and at least three reported fatalities associated with the storms.
The executive order activates the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which opens the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and allows state agencies to assist local jurisdictions with their emergency protective actions.
“A large portion of southern Missouri has been affected by the high winds, reported tornadoes and flash flooding associated with this system, and we also have received reports of widespread power outages,” Nixon said. “My primary concern is the safety of Missourians and this executive order makes state agency resources available to help communities respond to the storms.”
State agencies that can be activated for duty under the order include: Missouri Department of Public Safety, State Emergency Management Agency, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri State Water Patrol, Division of Fire Safety, Department of Agriculture, Department of Conservation, Department of Corrections, Department of Health and Senior Services, Department of Mental Health, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Social Services, Department of Transportation and the Office of Administration.