Volunteer efforts underway in tornado aftermath

A utility crew from J.F. Electric repairs damage done Saturday by a tornado behind the Missouri State Penitentiary.
A utility crew from J.F. Electric repairs damage done Saturday by a tornado behind the Missouri State Penitentiary.

The tornado that slammed Jefferson City on Wednesday has drawn community members together to repair.

The EF-3 tornado originated near Eldon, damaging buildings, businesses, land and residences in Jefferson City around 11:45 p.m.

Since the disaster, emergency officials and volunteers have made restorative efforts for Cole and Miller counties.

The United Way of Central Missouri led volunteers in disaster recovery efforts Saturday morning.

A total of 235 volunteers reported to the Capital Mall beginning at 10 a.m.

"United Way Central Missouri is so incredibly grateful for all the people stepping forward to help rebuild our community," communication manager Amber Brondel said.

The call to service for today is 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the same location. The organization is working with St. Louis AmeriCorps to coordinate work assignments in the area.

Volunteers should be age 18 or older. Before going to site, workers need work gloves, long pants and closed-toed shoes. Also, volunteers should consider carpooling as parking is limited and traffic is heavy in the area.

Anyone interested may continue to register through unitedway.com/volunteer or call 573-462-9904.

Lunch will be provided today by Legends Bank at city hall, 320 E. McCarty St. Volunteers and individuals affected by the tornado will be served at 11 a.m.

Jefferson City Public Works appreciates the help from volunteers in the disaster area, Director Matt Morasch said, adding property owners should know they can also call to request assistance with clean up by dialing 2-1-1.

As debris and building material are identified, the city recommends splitting them into two separate piles and placing them as close to the curb as possible, avoiding fire hydrants.

Throughout the next several weeks, Morasch said the city will collect the materials and take them to the landfill. Vegetation will be picked up and ground into mulch for the city.

"We're just trying to get the vegetation where it can be ground up and be reused," Morasch said.

Crews will continue to work through the weekend with volunteers to clear what they can. Officials urge those who are not volunteering to stay clear of the area.

Shelters

On Friday night, 50 individuals stayed in American Red Cross shelters in Jefferson City and Eldon.

Both areas were heavily damaged in Wednesday night's tornado.

The Humane Society of Missouri has declared room for 20 pets of individuals staying at the Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 1201 Fairgrounds Road.

Food and water will be available to pets housed.

Owners impacted by the storm, but not staying in the shelters, may also pick up pet food at the shelter.

Officials said the shelters in Jefferson City and Eldon Community Center, 309 E. 2nd St., will remain open as long as needed.

Those staying at shelters should bring clothing, bedding, toiletries and essential medication. No additional donations of these items are needed at this time.

Anyone who needs to contact the shelter may visit redcross.org/shelter or call 1-800-733-2767. The organization asks those who wish to give to consider financial donations. Donations can be designated online, by phone at 1-800-435-7669 or by texting REDCROSS to 90999.

Tornado impacted area

The curfew for the impacted area was lifted Saturday, according to a Jefferson City Police Department news release Saturday afternoon.

However, the area bordered by Lafayette Street, South Stadium Boulevard, West Monroe Street and north U.S. 50 is limited to local resident travel only.

Restrictions allow residents the opportunity to return to their homes without interference, the news release noted.

Ellis Boulevard reopened Saturday at approximately 11:30 a.m. Drivers should remain cautious of debris on the curbs.

Ameren spokesperson Jeni Hagen said power was restored to Jefferson City by 1 p.m. Saturday and Eldon by 2 p.m. According to its website, two customers were without power as of Saturday afternoon in both cities.

Arrests in tornado area

Two Kansas City men were arrested by Jefferson City police officers Friday afternoon following an incident in the area impacted by Wednesday's tornado.

A business owner called authorities to the 300 block of Flora Drive, a tornado impacted area, for subjects on the property, according to a Jefferson City Police Department news release Saturday.

While in contact, officers identified two motorcycles that had been reported stolen by the Kansas City Police Department. Officers found a stolen .40 caliber handgun, a .45 caliber handgun, numerous narcotics and tools associated with committing burglary.

The suspects face pending charges for receiving stolen property, possession of narcotics and trespassing, the news release states.

In a separate incident, Jefferson City resident Carson Bailey, 38, was arrested for stealing and resisting arrest.

At 4 a.m. Saturday, officers were called to the 1600 block of Jefferson Street.

Upon arrival, they determined several Ameren trucks had been entered and were missing tools.

Bailey was hiding in a local hotel then fled on foot. He was taken into custody after a short chase and charged with stealing and resisting arrest.

Flooding

The area is also dealing with flooding. The Missouri River was at 31.77 feet at 2:45 p.m. Saturday in Jefferson City, almost 2 feet over the levee.

The National Weather Service said the river crested at 31.7 feet about 2 p.m. Friday.

By midday Saturday, officials said the damages will be assessed at a later time. The cleanup efforts will follow.

"I suspect around the airport terminal area there will be about 4 or 5 feet of water," Morasch said.

Memorial Airport will remain closed until further notice. Employees are traveling by boat or vehicle on the property, he added.

The Capital View levee, which generally protects North Jefferson City, was breached Friday morning, creating a 30-40 foot gap, allowing water to rush in.

"Right now, the area that was previously protected by a levee is being filled," Jefferson City Operations Director Britt Smith said.

"The current forecast shows the river is going to stay at that level through Thursday or Friday this week, assuming we don't get any additional rain."

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the following Callaway County roads are closed due to flooding:

Missouri 94 at Logan Creek (west of Portland)

Missouri 94 between Route PP and Steedman

Route C in Mokane

U.S. 63 Outer Road in the north Jefferson City area from the U.S. 63 intersection to the U.S. 54/63 and Route W interchange

Missouri 94 east of the U.S. 63/54 and Missouri 94 interchange

These closures do no impact U.S. 54/63, which remains open.

Flooding has caused road closures in Cole County as well, including:

Route W between South Rock Creek in Cole County and Osage Bend Road in Osage County

Missouri 179 at Route Z

The entrance to Heritage Highway from westbound U.S. 54 southwest of Jefferson City

In Jefferson City, the following roads are closed:

Eastbound U.S. 50 exit at Lafayette Boulevard

Eastbound U.S. 54 exit at Ellis Boulevard

Eastbound U.S. 54 exit at Stadium Boulevard

Missouri Boulevard between U.S. 50 and McCarty Street

Missouri 94 east of the U.S. 63/54 and Missouri 94 interchange

Amtrak's Missouri River Running train service had been scheduled to resume today but has been suspended until further notice because of the ongoing flooding. Passenger service has been moved to buses, according to MoDOT.