The governors in Missouri, Kansas and Illinois have declared states of emergency in the wake of a killer storm system that claimed the lives of twelve people across the country. Three people in Missouri were killed, and six died in Harrisburg, Illinois. Authorities in Harveyville, Kansas have not yet confirmed reports that one of the people injured there has passed away.
Governor Jay Nixon has activated the National Guard to assist with coordination and recovery in storm-damaged southern Missouri.
National Guard officials said Wednesday about 50 members will also help provide additional security in the Branson area, where high winds damaged numerous buildings.
Nixon issued a disaster declaration Wednesday and says state agencies are working with local officials to coordinate recovery operations and meet the needs of residents affected by the storms.
Nixon toured some storm-damaged areas Wednesday and planned visits Thursday to Buffalo in the southwest and Puxico and Oak Ridge in the southeast.
If anyone knows what storm victims are going through, it’s the residents, and the police in Joplin. Their city was devastated by a deadly tornado last May. Joplin City Manager Mark Rohr says he’s contacted officials in Branson, offering any assistance he can give. So far, ten Joplin police officers have been sent to help keep order in Branson.
The National Weather Service has confirmed that the heavy damage in Branson was caused by an EF-2 tornado that was on the ground for 22 miles.
The agency’s office in Springfield says an EF2 tornado with maximum speeds of 120 to 130 miles per hour began at 1:13 a.m. Wednesday near the Stone County town of Kimberling City, then sped east-northeast.
Weather Service Meteorologist Ryan Kardell says the twister skipped along the edge of Table Rock Lake, then went “right down the commercial district” of Branson. The tornado ended about 22 miles from where it began, just east of Kissee Mills Mills in Taney County. The tornado’s path had a maximum width of 400 yards. Besides the destruction in Branson, it also damaged or destroyed about 60 homes in the Kimberling City area.
The Red Cross has opened shelters in four towns in Missouri: in Branson, Buffalo, Lebanon and Kimberling City.
A shelter set up Wednesday in Harveyville, Kansas will likely be shut down after no one took advantage of it. Harveyville, southwest of Topeka, has a population of about 280 people. About half of the town sustained major damage.
Disaster volunteers in St Joseph are on stand-by status as the Red Cross assesses needs in dozens of disaster zones.
Volunteers will be able to begin helping Harveyville recover from a destructive tornado.
Emergency officials say anyone wanting to work in the town can check in at the Mission Valley School in Eskridge beginning Thursday.
Only residents were allowed into the town Wednesday after a tornado severely damaged the small Wabaunseee County town Tuesday night.
The United Way says volunteers will need to sign liability release forms. They will receive wrist bands and hear a safety briefing before being taken to Harveyville.
The United Ways also says no clothing donations are needed at this time.
The Kansas Department of Revenue is taking steps to help residents of tornado-stricken Wabaunsee County replace tax documents and state-issued licenses or identification.
Governor Sam Brownback has declared a state of emergency for the county, where Tuesday night’s tornado destroyed about half the buildings in the small town of Harveyville. Those needing free replacement copies of their tax returns can call the Revenue Department 785-368-8222.