Storms late Friday night and early Saturday left devastation in their wake. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe yesterday said The storm has resulted in 12 confirmed fatalities, with one person still missing. Hundreds of homes, schools, and businesses have been either destroyed or severely damaged. At the height of the storm, more than 140,000 homes and businesses were without power, and 101 roads were closed due to debris, flooding, and structural damage.
Kehoe and state officials spent Saturday surveying some of the hardest-hit areas, including Wayne and Butler counties. Wayne County alone saw six of the 12 reported fatalities, underscoring the storm’s devastating impact.
Wayne County resident Dakota Henderson helped people trapped.
Ahead of the storm on Friday, Kehoe issued a State of Emergency declaration, which allowed first responders, road crews, and emergency management officials to move quickly. Missouri’s State Emergency Operations Plan remains in effect.