State Assisting After Bollinger County Tornado

(Jefferson City, MO) Missouri Governor Mike Parson says the state will continue to use all state resources to assist during the recovery process after Wednesday's storms and a tornado in the Gleallen area of Bollinger County. Friday, March 31st, Governor Parson signed Executive Order 23 03 in response to severe weather threats across the state activating the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan. It's still in effect and allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions in order to provide assistance. Initial damage assessments are underway to determine what programs can be used to help. SEMA Coordinators are on the scene assisting with the assessments as well as other needs and concerns. If you have experienced storm related damage report it to the Emergency Management Agency.

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at Marble Hill First Baptist Church, 502 Broadway Street, in Marble Hill. Food and water are available as well as cots for those who need a place to sleep. AmeriCorps St. Louis has also established a Volunteer Reception Center at Woodland Elementary School, 18729 Jackal Drive, in Marble Hill. You are is asked to stay out of the impact area as it is not safe. Those interested in helping should report to the Volunteer Reception Center at Woodland Elementary. Community members and residents in need of assistance should also report to the Center to request help.

Individuals with unmet needs should contact the United Way 211. Call 2-1-1 for assistance or visit 211helps.org  For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov. National Weather Service damage teams have ruled the Tornado an EF2 with estimated peak wind speeds of 130 miles per hour. Five fatalities were confirmed as well as many severe injuries.