Crews assess damage after suspected tornado in southwest Missouri

By: Euphenie Andre, Lucas Geisler

CLINTON, Mo. (KMIZ) -- People in southwest Missouri's Clinton are working to rebuild after Wednesday’s severe storm caused widespread damage across the community.

Clinton Fire Chief Mark Manuel said the National Weather Service was in town Thursday morning, surveying storm damage. Officials will use the assessment to determine the storm’s strength, including whether a tornado touched down and how it will be rated.

Manuel said the town experienced minor to moderate damage. At least two unoccupied outbuildings were destroyed, while Clinton Elementary School sustained damage to rooftop HVAC units. Solar panels at the intermediate school were also damaged.

Manuel said that emergency alert systems performed as expected, with tornado sirens and other warnings activating properly.

Clinton School District students were learning from home on Thursday because of the damage.

Angie Lawson, spokeswoman for the district, said some buildings sustained roof damage.

Wednesday night, Henry County Sheriff Aaron Brown told ABC 17 News that a tornado appeared to have touched down near Calvird Drive between Second Street and Highway 13. Crews reported downed trees in several areas, and a building at American Building Products on Second Street was destroyed. No injuries were reported.

Check back for updates.