Nixon declares state of emergency after Saturday storms

(From Gov. Jay Nixon)

Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency Sunday in response to severe weather that brought heavy rain, strong winds, and hail to many areas of the state and spawned two tornadoes. With another round of potentially dangerous weather forecast for later today, the Governor urges Missourians to monitor conditions and heed weather alerts. 

“This system of severe weather has already brought damaging storms to many areas of the state, including the town of Orrick where a tornado caused significant damage to homes, vehicles and schools,” Gov. Nixon said. “With more potentially dangerous storms in the forecast for later today, I urge Missourians to stay alert, use caution and take shelter immediately if severe weather is headed their way.  Our state emergency management team will continue to monitor conditions and work closely with local officials to help communities prepare for and respond to this dangerous weather system.”

The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to assist residents in Orrick, where a tornado caused significant damage to homes, vehicles and schools.  Another tornado took down trees and power lines near Marshall in Saline County.   

The State Emergency Operations Center has been actively monitoring the storm system and the ongoing potential for more heavy rains, strong winds, flash-flooding, hail and tornadoes that could affect the state later today.  Gov. Nixon has been receiving updates from his emergency management team to assess the current weather situation and address local needs. The team includes senior officials from the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri National Guard, Missouri State Highway Patrol and State Emergency Management Agency

Gov. Nixon has also activated the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to provide emergency services.