St. Louis, MO – The Salvation Army is actively responding to the devastating tornadoes and severe storms that ripped through southern Missouri and Illinois on Friday, March 14.
In some of the hardest-hit communities, homes, businesses and other structures were heavily damaged or destroyed; power lines are down; and casualties have been reported. We continue to pray for those impacted as we assess the needs throughout our communities.
“It is the privilege of the Salvation Army to serve individuals and families throughout communities across the Midland Division in the face of disaster,” said Major Adam Moore, General Secretary and Greater St. Louis Area Commander. “We often say that we are combatting disasters with acts of God’s kindness. As we hand out snacks and drinks, we are extending so much more as people begin to rebuild their lives and homes after the storms. We are offering hope and Christ’s love to those who need it most.”
Early Saturday morning, March 15, four mobile feeding units were deployed in the region, including one in Phelps County (Rolla), Missouri, and three in St. Louis County and Jefferson County, Missouri. The mobile feeding units are providing emotional and spiritual care, and food and beverages.
Phelps County
From briefings with local authorities in Rolla, we understand there are an estimated 30-40 homes completely destroyed, and an additional 150 homes with major damage deemed non-livable. Survivors needing assistance should visit the First Baptist Church at 801 N Cedar St., which is serving as a shelter and resource distribution site.
On March 15, The Salvation Army of Phelps County received generous donations from the Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Co and local Lowe’s store, including water, soda and critical recovery equipment, which were originally allocated for the town’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
On Sunday, March 16, mobile feeding was carried out at Rolla High School (900 Bulldog Run, Rolla, MO 65401) and moved throughout the day to heavily impacted areas in Phelps County.
The Salvation Army’s Phelps County Family Store is still being assessed but seems to have sustained minimal damage.
St. Louis and Jefferson Counties
The National Weather Service has reported that a strong, EF-2 tornado developed near Villa Ridge in Franklin County, Missouri, and continued through Jefferson County. Maximum estimated wind speeds were 130 mph.
On Saturday, March 15, mobile units deployed in Arnold and Hillsboro, as well as Bellefontaine Neighbors, which saw significant storm damage. More than 320 snacks and bottles of water were distributed Saturday and efforts are continuing in these communities throughout the week.
Survivors needing assistance should call 211.
Salvation Army properties throughout the St. Louis metro area have minimal or no damage reported at this time, though some locations are without power as of time of this alert.
The community is encouraged to make monetary donations at this time, to ensure that our neighbors in need are able to access resources as soon as possible.
