Texas County included in assessment for possible federal storm aid

Acting Gov. Mike Kehoe late Thursday asked that Texas County be included in a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assessment of storms that hit southern Missouri on Sunday evening.

A twister in Texas County caused damage from near Bendavis to southwest of Houston, the National Weather Service said. Others were seen bobbling in the clouds.

An EF1 tornado with peak wind speeds around 100 miles per hour started five miles southwest of Bendavis and tracked east until lifting seven miles southwest of Houston, the National Weather Service said. The tornado traveled 13 miles with a maximum width of 400 yards. The tornado caused extensive tree damage with numerous uprooted or snapped. Five outbuilding were heavily damaged or destroyed with one home sustaining roof damage.

Kehoe requested the assessments in Barry, Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Texas counties following severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that occurred May 19 – 27. This request begins the process of obtaining federal disaster assistance for the 10 counties, where township roads locally also received damage. One township bridge in Piney Township just north of the Houston corporate limits was closed for a brief time.

“As I observed during my visit to the area earlier this week, the severe storms that hit southern Missouri have caused major damage and disrupted the lives of families and businesses across the region,” Kehoe said. “I am grateful for the work of emergency responders, local elected officials, legislators, the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and many volunteer organizations who have assisted in recovery efforts. It is important to take these actions today so we can continue to work alongside local and federal partners, offering support and assistance to communities in need.”

Joint assessment teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and local emergency management officials. Beginning Monday, June 3, four teams will verify documented damage to determine if individual assistance can be requested through FEMA. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.

Kehoe, acting on behalf of Gov. Mike Parson who has been on an international trade mission, also issued Executive Order 24-07, extending Missouri’s current State of Emergency declaration in response to severe weather that has impacted communities across the state in recent weeks. Parson signed it on May 2.

Since late April, Missouri has been repeatedly impacted by severe weather with the most recent storm system occurring over Memorial Day Weekend. On May 26, multiple rounds of severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes swept across the state, particularly southeast Missouri, leaving thousands without power and causing widespread damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. Flash flooding continues to be a concern with additional rainfall forecasted in the coming days.

Extending the State of Emergency ensures the state can directly assist local jurisdictions, allowing increased flexibility and capacity to support response and recovery efforts. A State of Emergency is also the first step required by FEMA to seek a major disaster declaration.

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