January 10, 2008

A strong winter storm brought unseasonable tornadoes and flooding to parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. The severe weather is responsible for at least three deaths and dozens of injuries.

Arkansas

In Benton County, which includes Rogers and Bella Vista, around 35 to 40 homes are affected. Preliminary estimates in Pope County include 42 homes with major damage or possibly destroyed.

Missouri

Governor Matt Blunt has requested a damage assessment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Meanwhile, the American Red Cross has an initial assessment showing 25 homes destroyed, 75 with major damage, and 150 with minor damage statewide. Flood warning continues in the Springfield area.

Illinois

Rock River Red Cross reports eight homes destroyed in Poplar Grove and assessment continues. Damaged homes in Boone County are tarped, displaced families are housed, and assessment continues.

Indiana

Flooding forced people in the community of Monticello from their homes, and as many as 20 people stayed in shelters overnight. Officials in Remington say around 30 homes remain flooded with waist-deep water. Flood waters have finally receded, allowing damage assessment to begin.

Wisconsin

The Chicago Tribune reports 67 homes damaged and 25 destroyed by a tornado that struck Kenosha County. More tornado damage has been reported in the Wheatland area and McHenry County. The Des Plains River remains at flood stage, prompting flood warnings for nearby communities.

CWS Response

CWS Staff are monitoring the situation, and are in contact with representatives from the faith community and state Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Several areas damaged in this storm are sites of previous long-term recovery work, and CWS is ready to field any requests for assistance from recovery groups or member denominations.

Media Contact: Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676; lcrosson@churchworldservice.org Jan Dragin, 781-925-1526; jdragin@gis.net