JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Hours after an EF-3 tornado struck Jefferson City, the American Red Cross opened three shelters for people whose homes were damaged or were without power.
The sound of chainsaws replaced the sound of howling wind Thursday morning as residents ventured out to assess the storm's devastation.
"It was a lot of damage," Shironda Debose said. "I could not believe me and my children were OK, but I thank God."
Debose, whose apartment was evacuated after the storm, and her children were spending the night at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, which is the only Red Cross shelter set up in city limits.
"I had the alert on my phone to take cover and me and my son took cover right in time," Debose said. "Next thing I know, I was trying to hold the bathroom door shut and it was trying to suck the door. All my windows were busted out."
Two other shelters were set up in nearby Eldon, Missouri, at the Upper Elementary School FEMA Tornado Safe Room and Eldon Community Center.
Meanwhile, the community spirit seemed undaunted as people came out in droves to donate water, clothes and other items for those in need.
"We were saved, because it was right, right next to us — shivers you know,” said Precious, who declined to give a last name. "It was just like a gray wall of rain and wind. I looked at her, she looked at me and we ran into our apartments. I ran into the bathroom, pulled the door shut and I could feel suction."
At least 60 displaced families are staying at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, according to the Red Cross.
