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Issue: 1079 Date: 4/28/2011
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Sen. Chappelle-Nadal Visits With Victims of St. Louis Storms
Violent Storms Worst in 40 Years
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| Ferguson-Florissant teachers delivering water and food on Easter. They were walking door to door, street by street. |
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Jefferson City (April 23, 2011) - Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-St. Louis, has spent the last day and half visiting with victims of one of the worst storms to hit the St. Louis area in 40 years. The National Weather Service says the region has not seen such severe and widespread damage since a tornado ripped through St. Louis County in 1967. Friday night's storms traveled from Maryland Heights, across the Mississippi River and through Granite City, damaging homes and businesses and leaving downed trees and power lines in its path. Lambert International Airport lost part of its roof and a number of windows in the main terminal; the airport is expected to reopen Sunday.
"I really want to thank all of our first responders - our firefighters and EMTs and police officers, many of whom came from neighboring municipalities - to help the victims of these historic storms get their lives back together," Sen. Chappelle-Nadal said. "I am always inspired by the professionalism and the care these men and women show when helping people in times of tragedy."
Sen. Chappelle-Nadal says approximately 39,000 homes remain without power today in the 14th Senate District, which includes the communities of Bridgeton, Berkeley and Ferguson, among the communities hardest hit by the storms. Forecasters believe a tornado touched down first in Maryland Heights and then in Bridgeton and Edmundson before moving toward the river. Crews from Ameren UE have been working to restore power since the storms moved through the region last night.
"There are trees and power lines down everywhere," Sen. Chappelle-Nadal said. "I've been driving all over the district, talking to people about their experiences and trying to make sure they have the resources they need to get through this. Everywhere I look, I see neighbors helping neighbors and everyone pitching in to clean up the mess and start rebuilding their lives."
The St. Louis Chapter of the American Red Cross has about 600 volunteers in the region, many of whom have been on the ground since Friday night. Those wishing to volunteer their services can call 2-1-1, the United Way's hotline. Red Cross officials say they best way to help if by donating to the relief effort at redcrossstl.org or by calling 314-516-2800.
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