Alton, Mo. – The storms that tore through the region Friday night caused problems. As electrical poles snapped, power stopped. Water and internet was also down. When dawn arrived Saturday morning, the damage was evident. Although the weather surveys are still being done, multiple tornadoes are thought to have touched down in and around Oregon County, Missouri.
The Storm
Meteorologists had been saying to expect strong thunderstorms Friday night, March 14, 2025. All day it was very windy with most of the storm not hitting until after dark for those in Oregon County. The thunderstorm was fast moving, not staying near Alton long. The tornadoes hit around 10:00 pm, because Howell-Oregon Electric posted that over 6,000 members were out of power then. [1]
Possible Tornadoes
Although the weather surveys are still being completed, multiple tornadoes are thought to have touched down near Alton and the surrounding areas. Some of the places that received major damage from the potential tornadoes included the Flea Market on Highway 63 going to West Plains, around halfway on Highway P, and on the way to Thomasville on Highway 160. No fatalities have been reported in Oregon County or West Plains.
Destruction
The tornado paths left everything ruined and destroyed. Hundreds of trees were uprooted and broken. Electrical poles were split and broken with the electrical lines tangled in the trees. Some houses had part of the roof taken off, while others more in the direct path of the tornado had major damage including the entire roof being taken off, the second story’s of a house being destroyed, and barns being demolished. Fences were also destroyed letting livestock move freely.
Power Outages
At one time, as many as 6,000 Howell-Oregon Electric members were out of power. As of 3:00 pm on March 17th, 3,332 members were out of power with the main counties being Howell County (2,525) and Oregon County (750). [2] Two substations in the West Plains area were damaged heavily due to the storm. [3]
Help
If you want to help or you need help whether you need laundry done, you need food to eat, or you need a place to stay, you can go to this article.
