KSHB 41 News Reporter Braden Bates covers Lee's Summit and Jackson County. If you have a story idea for Braden, email him at braden.bates@kshb.com
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Severe weather hit Wednesday night in Clinton, Mo., with a tornado leaving minimal damage in the city
Around 6:05 p.m. Wednesday, the Henry County, Missouri, emergency manager reported that a tornado was on the ground.
About 20 minutes later, it was reported that power lines were down and structures had been destroyed.
No injuries or deaths have been reported, according to Henry County Emergency Manager Mark Hardin.
"Extreme relief that nobody’s hurt.," said Mayor Carla Moberly.
About 2,000 residents in the town of around 9,000 are without power as of 7:10 p.m., Hardin said.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol told KSHB 41 News that they sent three troopers to Clinton to help where needed.
The Clinton School District announced that school will be closed Thursday due to damage caused by Wednesday's storm, including roof damage and electrical issues. Students will participate in an AMI day instead.
Angie Lawson, director of communications and community relations for the district, told KSHB 41 in an email the district is taking these measures "for storm cleanup and to ensure the safety of our buildings."
A few hours after the storm, crews were already working to clear tree debris which appeared to be the main damage from the storm.
Andrew Donldson lives off Bodine Street. His house was one impacted by falling tree debris.
"As soon as I came back inside, I went to shut the door, it just got sucked out of my hand," Donldson said.
He describe the moments the tornado passed over his home while he and his wife and dogs were in the living room.
"I’m still a little shaken and she’s holding onto her pitbull and the suction was so bad it started to suck them out the front door," Donldson said.
But once the storm was over, he said there was more to be thankful for.
"We’re alive," he said. "That’s the main thing is my wife’s alive, my dogs are alive and I’m alive, that’s the main thing. This stuff can be replaced."
As for Mayor Carla Moberly, she's also an insurance agent. She said those impacted will be filling claims as the cleanup process continues.
"This is my life. It’s what I do and I’m happy to do it. Got a lot of friends and family here," Moberly said.
No streets were blocked due to damage and residents were confident the damage was fixable.
Several viewers sent in videos of Wednesday's storm in Clinton. You can watch those videos below.
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