Storm causes damage as it rips through Carl Junction on Easter Sunday

A powerful storm ripped its way through Carl Junction on Easter Sunday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. 

With wind gusts clocked as high as 92 miles per hour, the severe thunderstorm, capable of producing a tornado, caused widespread damage to homes, power lines and infrastructure, prompting the closure of Carl Junction schools today.

The storm struck just after 2 p.m., sounding tornado sirens across Joplin, Webb City, Carl Junction, Carthage, and surrounding areas. 

The Carl Junction area, particularly along Fir Road and other western Jasper County neighborhoods, bore the brunt of the storm’s fury.

With emergency first responders working tirelessly, the Carl Junction community also saw volunteers checking in at the CJ Community Center to assist with cleanup efforts

Damage in the area included uprooted trees, downed power lines, structural building damage, broken windows and a lot of debris scattered.

A large portion of Carl Junction lost power, with Carl Junction Schools announcing the Monday closure via their Facebook page, urging residents to “be safe Bulldogs” as the community rallied to recover. 

Rainfall totals in the area reach five inches and more in some spots.