Newton County residents clean up debris, minimal damage

NEWTON COUNTY, Mo. (KOAM) - Storms late Saturday night into Sunday morning, left a trail of damage in areas such as Rogers, Arkansa s.

Newton County residents, particularly in the Seneca area, have reported damage , although not as severe as other counties in the region.

"T he hail woke us up this morning about 2 or 2:30, but we weren't concerned with the hail. We didn't know the barn was gone till we woke up this morning and looked out the window.” says Ron Poge, a Newton County resident who woke up to storm damage.

Poge says he did not expect to see any damage from the storms, and slept through the night. He says he got quite the surprise when he eventually woke up.

“I was shocked. We didn't know the wind was that strong. We just knew about the hail. But when I opened that kitchen window, I was pretty much talking to my wife who was still in bed," says Poge. "I ran in and woke her up. And said, 'You're not going to believe this, but half of the barns gone. She got out right quick to come and look.”

There are no reported injuries related to the storms in Newton County.

The county emergency management director says that while damage was not extensive or too severe, there have been reports of downed trees, power lines and outbuildings receiving damage.

Some properties around the county saw small amounts of storm debris, such as tree limbs, land on their roof.

Residents also have had to work to remove debris from roofs and trees out of roadways following the storms.

Poge says he has found parts of his barn in his neighbor's pastures. He says more than anything, he is grateful that the county did not experience more damage.

“We're blessed that the house wasn't touched and that we're okay," says Poge. "God was looking over the house, and if something had to go, the barn was the best thing. Nothing in there except the tractor and lawn mower.”

The Newton County Emergency Management Director says that while damage from the storms in the county may not have been too severe, residents need to be aware of flooding concerns.

She says those living in the southern parts of the county should take extra caution and be prepared for the chance of flooded roads.

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