Straight-line winds and heavy rain pounded Mid-Missouri overnight as a line of severe thunderstorms swept through the region.
The storms, which began moving through the area around 10:30 pm on Monday, May 6th, have left a trail of damage and power outages in their wake.
Widespread Power Outages
According to local reports, power outages began rolling in around 1:10 am on Tuesday, May 7th. Utility companies are still assessing the damage, but early reports indicate thousands of customers are without power. The hardest-hit areas appear to be in Joplin and surrounding communities.
Damage Reports
Emergency management officials have reported damage across Mid-Missouri. Strong winds caused downed trees and power lines. Some areas are reporting shingles ripped from roofs and debris scattered throughout streets.
In Pettis County, a large tree was reported blocking Highway 127 near Pleasant Green. Additionally, stop lights were knocked out at the intersection of Highway 65 and Route HH.
Continuing Coverage
The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates on-air and online as they become available. Local residents are urged to stay weather-aware and report any damage to their local authorities.
Safety Tips for Mid-Missouri Residents
- Stay Informed: Continue to monitor local news outlets and weather advisories for the latest information.
- Downed Power Lines: Always assume downed power lines are live. Never touch them or drive over them. Report downed lines to your local utility company immediately.
- Tree Damage: If a tree has fallen on your home or property, evacuate the area immediately and call 911. Do not attempt to remove the tree yourself.
- Generator Safety: If using a generator for power, ensure it is properly ventilated outdoors and away from windows. Never run a generator inside your home or garage.
- Food Safety: If your power is out for an extended period, discard any refrigerated food that has been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours (one hour for meat, poultry, fish, and eggs).
Recovery Efforts Underway
Utility crews are expected to begin working on repairs as soon as possible. However, depending on the extent of the damage, it may take several hours or even days to restore power to all customers. Local emergency management teams are working to clear debris and assess the overall damage.
How to Help
- Check on Neighbors: If you are able, check on elderly neighbors or those who may need assistance.
- Report Damage: Report any damage to your property to your homeowner’s insurance company and your local emergency management office.
- Donate Blood: Local blood banks may be in need of donations after severe weather events.
