National Weather Service confirms EF2 tornado in Baring, Mo.
KNOX COUNTY, Mo. (WGEM) - The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF2 tornado blew through Baring, Missouri Friday night.
An EF2 tornado carried winds between 111 and 135 mph with a peak wind of 122 mph. NSW reported that the tornado started southeast of town around 11:13 p.m. and moved through the community.
The tornado was on the ground for 2 minutes and approximately 1.64 miles and reached a width of 450 yards.
The storm destroyed several homes and buildings in Knox County.
According to Echo Menges with the Edina Sentinel, 14 people were rescued following the storms that ripped through Baring at 11:18 p.m. on Friday, including several residents from the Baring Senior Housing site.
Menges said minor injuries were reported, but no fatalities.
Injured and displaced residents were taken to the Knox County Community Center.
According to Menges, the Baring Post Office was destroyed, along with part of the Baring Firehouse’s roof being torn off and the Baring Cafe’s roof completely torn off.
Menges said power lines and trees are in roadways throughout the town. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is recommending drivers to stay off of secondary and gravel roads, as a few roads have been washed out due to flooding.
Knox County Emergency Management Directory Bill Whiles told Menges that emergency personnel also have been handling several hazardous material leaks from tanks full of anhydrous ammonia and propane in the damaged area.
Baring residents are asked to meet with Red Cross and Salvation Army Disaster Services at the Baring Firehouse.
The NWS survey is ongoing with more details to be released at a later time.
The National Weather Service reported many roads in Scotland and Clark Counties in Missouri and in Lee County, Iowa are closed due to flooding. Drivers are encouraged to stay on the main roads and plan alternate routes if possible.
Several agencies turned out to lend a helping hand on Saturday including the American Red Cross and Quincy Salvation Army.
“I’ve spoken personally to about 10 residents,” said John Dungan with the Northern and Central Missouri Red Cross. “But, that list is growing.”
Police said non-emergency personnel should avoid the area at this time to prevent injuries.
“I would ask that if you do not have a reason to be here please avoid the area. Okay?” said Knox County Sheriff Carl Knoche. “We don’t need a bunch of people going around town and creating diversions for our power workers and our first responders.”
If you would like to help you can donate money to The American Red Cross or the Salvation Army.
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