JEFFERSON CITY, MO (Show Me Live) – Missouri Congressman Jason Smith, representing the 8th Congressional District, says he’s fighting to get storm victims the help they need.
“On the evening of March 14 into March 15, a major storm system wreaked havoc on communities across southeast and south-central Missouri. The severe storms and deadly tornados brought golf ball-sized hail and winds over 140 mph, leaving a path of destruction we haven’t seen in decades. Thousands of buildings – including homes, businesses, and schools – were damaged. Tens of thousands were left without power. Tragically, at least 12 individuals lost their lives. While homes and businesses can be rebuilt, nothing will bring back the lives of those we lost. My heart goes out to their families and loved ones,” Smith shares.
“Our region is no stranger to severe weather. But that doesn’t make it any easier to stomach the damage and loss of life caused by the storms that hit Missouri over a span of several hours. The recovery process won’t be easy, but I want every community hit by these storms to know I’m doing everything I can to get them the help and support they need.”
The storm system is the second-largest on record for March, according to The Weather Channel. A strong tornado outbreak occurred throughout the state, including a tornado emergency for Van Buren and Fremont, in Carter County. The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-2 in Jefferson County from Hillsboro to Arnold, an EF-2 near Villa Ridge, an an EF-1 south of Union in Franklin County, and EF-3 in Poplar Bluff with peak winds estimated at 138 mph.
In Phelps County, an EF-2 tornado uprooted massive trees, downed powerlines, and damaged hundreds of homes, businesses, three schools, and other buildings. Des Arc was among one of the hardest hit towns. It was almost completely flattened by an incredibly powerful EF-3 tornado.
Winds topping over 70 mph and large hail contributed to widespread damage, with areas like Arnold, Perryville, Poplar Bluff, Rolla, and others sustaining the most damage.
“When I spoke to President Donald Trump shortly after the storms, he made it clear that he’s committed to making sure federal resources are available to these communities. I’ve been very pleased with the coordination between the federal government, state officials like Governor Mike Kehoe, and local leaders. It truly makes a difference when everyone is working together toward the same goal. I’m also very grateful for the response by law enforcement and EMS personnel who have been working around the clock. And I really appreciate all of the churches, non-profit organizations, and volunteers that have been on the ground clearing debris and providing food, supplies, and shelter to storm victims,” Smith adds.
He continues, “I’ve visited several communities that were in the storms’ path of destruction. In Arnold, hundreds of homes, businesses, and cars were damaged by an EF-2 tornado that brought over 100mph winds and golf ball-sized hail. I appreciate Mayor Pro-Tem Gary Plunk, County Executive Dennis Gannon, and first responders for meeting with me to discuss recovery efforts. While surveying damage, I saw community members on the side of the road handing out free food and supplies to storm victims. It was a powerful reminder of how fortunate we are to live in an area where community always comes first.
“Before I went out to survey damage, I sat down with Rolla Mayor Lou Magdits, Rolla Fire Chief Jeff Breen, Phelps County Sheriff Mike Kirn, Rolla Police Chief Sean Fagan, State Representative Tara Peters, and more. I’m glad to hear that the community is receiving quick responses from state and federal officials. I appreciate State Representative Tony Harbison, Sheriff Chuck Helton, the county commissioners, and members of the village board for taking the time to meet with me. I promised I’d do everything I can to help this great community.
“My work to make sure storm victims get the help they need is far from over. There are so many communities impacted, including South Fork, Fremont, Piedmont, Bluff View, Poplar Bluff, Perryville, West Plains, Alton, Hartville, and Bakersfield – which was hit by a very powerful EF-3 tornado that took the lives of three individuals. I’m continuing to visit these towns and communities as we work to figure out what folks will need. While I know the rebuilding process won’t be easy, Missourians are incredibly tough, good people who never back down when faced with a challenge. It’s one of the many reasons I am so proud to live in Missouri and to serve as your voice in Congress.”
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