SURVEYS ONGOING FOR LONG TRACK TORNADO THAT STRUCK ARKANSAS, MISSOURI, AND KENTUCKY
Surveys are ongoing for a large tornado tract that hit parts of at least four states on Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, preliminary surveys suggest this tornado began in northeast Arkansas, crossing the Missouri Bootheel, northwest Tennessee, and across western Kentucky, resulting in significant destruction to portions of the region.
The tornado is estimated to have peak winds of 158 to 206 miles per hour with a max width of three-quarters of a mile.
The NWS in Memphis says that a tornado with at least EF-3 damage struck the area between Weiner, Arkansas and Hornersville, Missouri. The EF-3 damage was found in Monette and Leachville, Arkansas.
Surveys along the tornado path will be continuing over the next few days.
EF2 TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN IN ELLINGTON AREA
The National Weather Service in St. Louis says that an EF2 Tornado touched down Friday night in Reynolds County.
According to preliminary data, the tornado touched down at around 10:05 pm to the northeast of Ellington.
The tornado was on the ground for 6 minutes and damaged multiple homes, including tearing the roofs off of two homes.
The twister also caused significant tree damage before lifting near Reynolds County Road 456.
It had an estimated peak winds of 130 miles per hour, a length of 6.3 miles, and an estimated maximum width of 300 yards.
WAYS TO HELP PEOPLE IMPACTED BY TORNADO DAMAGE
There are multiple ways for you to donate to assist those that were affected by the Tornados from this past weekend.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear says that people can donate to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund at TeamWKYReliefFund.ky.gov.
According to Beshear, this is a single fund connected with the state that will help fund the ground efforts taking place right now and the relief efforts families will need to rebuild.
The American Red Cross is also taking donations for the Red Cross Disaster Relief fund. More information is available at RedCross.org or by calling 1-800-Red-Cross.
RIVER RADIO BLOOD DRIVE SET FOR FRIDAY
Another way to assist victims from last week’s severe weather is by donating during the River Radio Blood Drive this week in Poplar Bluff.
The Blood Drive will be from 12:30 to 5:30 pm on Friday at the Black River Coliseum.
The Red Cross is asking everyone who can to donate in honor of Zachary Dobbs, who was diagnosed with Leukemia in July, as well as to help victims from the tornados Friday night.
Call 1-800-Red Cross or visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment.
POPLAR BLUFF CHEERLEADING TEAM WINS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
The Poplar Bluff Mules Competitive Cheerleading Team are state champions.
The Mules won the Class 4 Small Squad State Championship during the Missouri Cheerleading Coaches Association state Championships over the weekend in Cape Girardeau.
Four Mules cheerleaders were named to the all-state team, including McKenzie Cassie, Sarena Hill, Lanie Robertson, and Macie Robertson.
Poplar Bluff Athletics Director Kent Keith tells us that Mules football players Nic Brumitt and Hunter Jenkins were named to the 2021 Missouri Football Coaches Association All-State Team.
Brumitt was named 2nd Team Wide Receiver, while Jenkins was named 3rd Team Linebacker.
MEMPHIS MAN KILLED IN WRECK ON INTERSTATE 55
A Memphis man has died following a wreck between two freightliners in Southeast Missouri.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred Sunday morning when a freightliner struck the back of another freightliner on Interstate 55 in Pemiscot County.
The driver of the first vehicle, 55 year old Kenneth Cripps, was pronounced dead at the scene by Pemiscot County Coroner Jim Brimhall. No injuries were listed for the driver of the second vehicle.
