New Year's Eve Tornado in Arkansas and Missouri - 7 people died

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Saturday, Jan 1, 2011

Governor Beebe Makes Disaster Declarations in the Wake of New Year's Eve Tornado

LITTLE ROCK - Governor Mike Beebe today declared Benton and Washington Counties state disaster areas after an EF3 tornado hit Northwest Arkansas Friday morning. The declaration could potentially defray cleanup costs for local jurisdictions.

"Washington and Benton Counties performed admirably in their response to this unseasonal severe weather," Beebe said. "Despite the tragic loss of life and property, the efficient, cooperative efforts in both counties ensured a rapid response and an important first step toward recovery."

As always in Arkansas, volunteers played a significant role in the response. Within a few hours of the storms, so many people had shown up to help in Cincinnati that officials had to politely ask others to stay home.

http://governor.arkansas.gov/newsroom/index.php?do:newsDetail=1&news_id=2675

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New Year's Eve Tornado in Arkansas and Missouri - 7 people died

December 31, 2010
Order activates State Emergency Operations Plan to ensure quick, coordinated response to storms

Gov. Nixon declares state of emergency in response to tornadoes, high winds across Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. ? Gov. Jay Nixon today signed Executive Order 10-27 to declare a state of emergency in Missouri in response to severe weather that began late last night. The weather system has involved tornadoes and high winds in communities across Missouri.

Personnel at the State Emergency Management Agency have been communicating with local law enforcement and emergency responders and tracking the storms as they have moved across Missouri. This order from the Governor follows on those initial steps by activating the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to provide emergency services.

Initial reports indicate that these storms have resulted in at least three fatalities, multiple injuries and damage to homes, buildings and property, including at Fort Leonard Wood in Pulaski County. Earlier this afternoon, Gov. Nixon spoke personally with Major Gen. David E. Quantock, commanding general of the Fort, to offer the state?s support and assistance.

?The state of Missouri is ready to provide whatever resources are necessary to help with rescue, recovery and public safety operations in the wake of these deadly storms,? Gov. Nixon said. ?As cold weather settles over Missouri later today, a quick and coordinated response is vital to protect lives and property. By working together, we will ensure that our emergency responders have the tools they need to keep Missourians safe and to help families start to recover.?

Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information, and referrals are urged to call 211. The 211 service is now available for most areas of Missouri. In areas where the 211 service is not operational, citizens may call 800-427-4626.

State agencies that can be activated for duty under the order include: Missouri Department of Public Safety, State Emergency Management Agency, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri State Water Patrol, Division of Fire Safety, Department of Agriculture, Department of Conservation, Department of Corrections, Department of Health and Senior Services, Department of Mental Health, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Social Services, Department of Transportation and the Office of Administration.

http://governor.mo.gov/newsroom/2010...e_of_emergency



Storm Hits Sunset Hills

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon walks with residents during a tour of tornado damage in Sunset Hills, Missouri on January 1, 2011.

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Tornado Damage in Sunset Hills

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon inspects the foundation where a house once stood during a tour of tornado damage in Sunset Hills, Missouri on January 1, 2011. Sunset Hills sustained damage to approximately 25 homes during a storm on December 31, 2010.

http://governor.mo.gov/

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New Year's Eve Tornado in Arkansas and Missouri - 7 people died

Death Toll Hits 7 in New Year's Eve Tornadoes

Published January 01, 2011
| Associated P

KANSAS CITY, Mo. ? Shaken residents spent New Year's Day sifting through the wreckage wrought by tornadoes that touched down in several states on the last day of 2010, killing seven people and injuring dozens of others.

Six people ? three in Missouri and three in Arkansas ? died Friday as tornadoes fueled by unusually warm air pummeled the South and Midwest. A seventh person who was injured Friday in Missouri died Saturday, said Bruce Southard, the chief of the Rolla Rural Fire Department.

Read more:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/01/official-mo-woman-injured-tornado-dies/