Sheriff Kaiser updates listeners on CJ storm damage

A dangerous storm system came through the area on Easter Sunday, notably Carl Junction suffered the most-significant damage in the area with winds reaching 92 miles per hour.

Jasper County Sheriff Randy Kaiser stopped by the Morning Newswatch to give an update on the area.

“We had a line of damage basically came across state lines around Baxter Springs and came through Carl Junction,” Kaiser said. “Dispatch notified us that shortly thereafter that there was what had been reported to them as a rain wrapped tornado heading between Carl Junction and Orinogo … then crossed out of the county into the Barton county area about County Road 180. So, while the National Weather Service has not confirmed that it was a tornado, it certainly had some indications by the path of the damage.”

Damage seen in Carl Junction includes uprooted trees, downed power lines, roof damage, structural damage and broken windows.

While the storm has passed, the danger has not. There are several areas that are flooded out and too dangerous to pass.

“Last check, we had about 12 to 14 locations in Jasper county where water’s over the road,” Kaiser said. “We believe we have all of them marked. And we’ve done several water rescues. We just finished with a water rescue about an hour ago from individuals who did not turn around. And so just be mindful of that. It does not take that much water across the road to cause problems. So just be mindful of that. Don’t drive into the water.”

Once the storm cleared the area, the community in Southwest Missouri could be seen helping each other out, which has become common practice.

“Well, we have a community that’s top notch when it comes to helping each other out,’ Kaiser said. “And we’ve proven for quite a few years now that when it comes to helping out in times of need, we’re definitely a community that responds.”