A series of storms — accompanied by high winds and tornadoes — swept through south-central Missouri on Friday night, destroying structures and killing two, authorities said.
Rolla sustained significant damage. Troop G of the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported destruction in its region, where two lives were lost at Bakersfield in Ozark County. The Ozark County sheriff confirmed a third death. Troopers began working Friday evening to assist with rescue and recovery issues.
Luckily, Texas County was spared.
In the Rolla area, Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association reported 3,420 were without power Saturday morning. Workers were able to make progress overnight. A shopping center in the south part of the Phelps County town along South U.S. 63 — Southside Shoppers World — was destroyed.
GOV. KEHOE OFFERS STATEMENT
“Friday and through the night, Missouri first responders, volunteers and our faith-based partners worked tirelessly in response to a series of devastating tornadoes and severe storms, and before that, dangerous and damaging fires,” said Governor Mike Kehoe.
“Our state team members and responders are working to support communities, have begun to assess the damage with local partners, and will be gathering more information in the coming days. I appreciate the heroic work of all those who are assisting their fellow Missourians. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families grieving loved ones, and we stand with all those impacted by these devastating storms.”
ELECTRICAL OUTAGES
Intercounty Electric Cooperation Association serves rural Phelps County. Here is how to follow progress in that area.
STATE RELEASES FATALITY COUNT
The Missouri State Highway Patrol released a preliminary count of fatalities on Saturday. Here is the list:
Three fatalities, Ozark County
One fatality, Butler County
Six fatalities, Wayne County
One fatality, Jefferson County
TORNADO DAMAGE AT ROLLA
Rolla officials’ statement from overnight:
A large area of the City of Rolla has been affected and many homes and local businesses have been damaged. At this time, there has not been any loss of life and a handful of people were transported to Phelps Health for non-life threatening injuries. Major damage is focused on the South Side Shopping area on U.S. 63 south and also the Forum/10th Street area.
The City of Rolla activated its Emergency Operation Center and as of this moment there has been a primary search of all homes and business in the impacted area to ensure our citizens safety.
This is and will continue to be a large-scale incident. Please be patient as we work diligently to restore power and assist in the cleanup. We received assistance from all local FD, Police and EMS and also from dozens of agencies as far away as Columbia.
It will take substantial time to restore power to all areas of the City of Rolla and evaluate structural damages.
We also want to inform the community of some good news.
Phelps Health has power and is operating normally.
Walmart and Kroger are undamaged. They both plan to open this morning ASAP, but anticipating near 10 a.m. At this time Price Chopper does not have power. We will update on them later today.
Walgreens, CVS, Lowe’s, Menards, Academy Sports are undamaged, all have power and should open normal business hours. a majority of gas stations are open and operational.
All stores and restaurants on Kingshighway (Arby’s, McDonalds, Maidrite, etc.) all have power and should have normal hours.
Power has been restored to the majority of U.S. 63 from about Walmart all the way north to Lowe’s.
I-44, U.S. 63, 10th Street and Highway 72 are all open through Rolla.
A shelter has been opened at the First Baptist Church located at 801 North Cedar. This is a 24-hour shelter and is open now.
Please do not call 911 for non emergency issues. Our 911 center continues to be overwhelmed with non-emergency calls.
TROOP G ISSUES STATEMENT
Troop G has been severely impacted by tornados, thunderstorms and large hail. The Bakersfield area in Ozark County reports multiple injuries and two confirmed fatalities: An adult male and an adult female.
In Howell County, structural damage, downed trees and power lines have been observed in Moody, South Fork and areas southwest of West Plains, progressing east into Oregon County toward Rover, Thomasville and Alton.
Additionally, Wright County, northwest of Hartville, has also reported structural damage. As daylight breaks, more damage will be visible, revealing the full extent of the devastation across the Troop G region.
Updated at 7:51 a.m. Saturday to reflect a third death in Ozark County.