Man recounts tornado experience

For years, Rob Crouse has been a close part of the Westminster College family and Jefferson City community.

Crouse, director of media and public relations for the college and director for Capital City Productions, said he was watching weather reports when Wednesday night's tornado was announced.

"Pretty scary stuff," he said in Thursday morning's aftermath. "All I can say is thank goodness for (meteorologist) Zack Paul on KRCG. My house is right by St. Mary's (Hospital) where it came down. He said people near St. Mary's should take cover immediately. I grabbed the dogs and I went to the basement."

While in the basement, Crouse said he was texting with a friend who lived near McCarty Street in the city's historical district.

"(The tornado) took down all his trees and his porch, all his power lines," Crouse said.

Crouse said many people say tornado winds roar like freight trains.

"The sound was deafening," he said. "When you see the devastation around town, it's unbelievable nobody was killed. I didn't lose power, but other people did. I don't know when that will come back."

He said that many people are concerned about Missouri River levels and projected flooding, and in addition, now a tornado had hit the Jefferson City area.

"And we're supposed to get strong storms today and tonight," Crouse said. "I just pray that everybody's all right."