Recovery

Winds were strong enough — up to about 70 mph — to topple large trees onto cars and homes. Traffic signs as well as billboards were dislodged, and light poles and other small structures were strewn about.

As a long-awaited $19.1 billion disaster relief bill is finally poised to send more federal aid to Florida’s Panhandle, it’s unclear how much help will reach people on the ground, or when it will arrive.

"The state will also send a Damage Assessment Team to meet with the townships and do their own assessment of the roadways. The Damage Assessment Teams usually don't come out until 6 to 8 weeks after things have dried up."

Tornadoes on the evening of Memorial Day wrecked 211 homes and 43 businesses in Montgomery County, according to emergency management officials. The twisters caused major damage to another 420 homes and 54 businesses.

About 20 restaurants remain closed because of extensive damages to their buildings. Those include North Fairfield eateries Primanti Bros and Chic-fil-A. “Everyone who can be open is open.”

Statewide, severe weather has killed six people and injured 118. Officials say over 900 homes were damaged, including 335 which were destroyed. The declaration allows federal aid for Muskogee, Tulsa and Wagoner counties.

The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reports that six fatalities can be attributed to flooding and severe weather. A State of Emergency remains in effect for all 77 counties due to severe weather that began in April

The Butler County Emergency Management Agency sent a team around midnight Tuesday to help with the aftermath of tornadoes that blew through the Dayton area, and Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones dispatched his department’s helicopter to help with relief efforts.

While it appears likely federal disaster funds will be made available for infrastructure damage resulting from the recent flood, reimbursements are based upon documented losses.

The Missouri National Guard was activated Monday afternoon to help respond to flooded areas. Meanwhile, nearly half of Kansas’ 105 counties are part of a state of disaster declaration.

Tahlequah businesses have stepped up to gather donations for those displaced from the tornado. There has been no report of injuries from the tornado, despite some residents' being unable to make it to their storm cellars in time.

Just before midnight, sirens would begin to wail through Jefferson City before EF-3 winds spinning at more than 136 mph would send residents of the state capital bolting into their basements.

Tetanus boosters are recommended for adults and adolescents every 10 years. However, if a person experiences a wound that could have been contaminated by dirt, flood water, etc., it should be repeated if it has been longer than five years from the last tetanus injection.

Jefferson City police and other law enforcement were conducting door-to-door residential and business check to make sure no one was trapped or needed immediate medical attention.

The projects include interior and exterior repairs for three Bay County Sheriff's Office buildings, along with significant roof work for the Bay County Courthouse.