Strong Winds & Possible Tornadoes Tear Through Area On Friday

Tornado damage

Tornado damage

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.

strong wind damage
strong wind damage

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]

Trees toppled in strong winds
Trees toppled in strong winds

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.

Truck tipped over
Truck tipped over

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.

 

Tornado damage to trees
Trees toppled in strong winds

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]

strong wind damage
strong wind damage

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.


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