EF-2 TORNADO HITS DEXTER OVER THE WEEKEND
There were no injuries or deaths reported after a tornado struck Stoddard County over the weekend.
According to a preliminary report from the National Weather Service, an EF-2 tornado occurred from 8:18 pm to 8:29 pm, Saturday night. The tornado had estimated peak winds of 120 miles per hour with a max width of 175 yards.
The tornado’s path took it from around Stoddard County Road AD to County Road 731, crossing over the north side of Dexter.
The Stoddard County Emergency Management Agency is asking any resident or business that would like to request volunteer assistance with clearing debris, or needs supplies such as tarps, gloves, and hand tools, to call the Dexter Fire Department at (573) 624-3425.
This is for anybody in the impacted area, not just those in the Dexter city limits.
All non-essential travelers are being asked to remain off the roadways in the impacted areas so crews can safely clean up the areas. Dexter Chief of Police Hank Trout says anyone wanting to donate bottled water can drop it off at the Dexter Fire Department.
According to Ameren UE, around 5,700 customers lost power in the Dexter area Saturday night.
AT LEAST 150 HOMES DAMAGED DURING STODDARD COUNTY TORNADO
Preliminary reports say that numerous homes were damaged during Saturday’s tornado in Stoddard County.
According to the National Weather Service, at least 150 homes received damage from the EF-2 Tornado. At least one home had major loss of roof decking and around six homes had major damage due to fallen trees.
There were also several mobile homes heavily damaged or destroyed, with at least one flipping over onto its roof. In addition, several area garages were blown from their foundations.
Dexter city officials say that there was extensive damage to the residential area north of Business Highway 60, between One Mile Road and Highway 25.
Dexter residents are being asked to place debris from the storm damage at the edge of the roadway or the edge of the alley. Crews will be picking up the debris beginning early this week. Do not place debris on the road.
Anyone impacted by the tornado who needs housing assistance or has unmet needs such as food or water, is asked to contact the Stoddard County Emergency Management Agency at (573) 614-5155.
DEXTER HOSPITAL EVACUATED AND TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO TORNADO DAMAGE
A Dexter hospital has been temporarily closed due to damage from Saturday’s tornado.
SoutheastHealth says that all inpatient units at SoutheastHealth of Stoddard County, as well as the emergency department, were evacuated due to the tornado. All patients and staff are safe with no reports of injuries.
Officials say the hospital will remain closed until a structural assessment is complete. Anyone in the Dexter area in need of emergency care is asked to go to the closest Emergency Department in Poplar Bluff or Sikeston.
According to the National Weather Service, during Saturday night’s tornado, the hospital sustained major damage with several windows blown in and ceiling panels being blown down. One attached structure was blown away from the hospital.
Several vehicles at the hospital had their windows blown out or were otherwise damaged from flying debris.
WOMAN FLOWN FROM THE SCENE OF A WRECK NEAR POPLAR BLUFF
A woman was flown from the scene of a wreck Sunday evening near Poplar Bluff.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 33 year old Jacqueline Alsup struck a utility pole off of Route W shortly before 6 pm Sunday. Her vehicle then overturned and she was ejected.
Aslup suffered serious injuries in the wreck and was flown to a Memphis hospital.
WATER MAIN REPAIR SCHEDULED FOR TODAY IN DONIPHAN
Crews will be in Doniphan today for utility repairs.
According to city officials, the City of Doniphan utilities department is planning to repair a water main beginning this morning.
Residents and businesses located from East Locust at the intersection of Highway 142 continuing south to the city limits will be under a precautionary boil water notice until all tests are completed.
