The morning of Monday, Feb. 27, a severe storm system moved through the area. This system contained intense high speed winds and had a history of tornadic activity in Oklahoma, but broke up and began to dissipate as it moved into the western edge of Missouri. The system remained fast-moving and shifting as it crossed through central Missouri.
Emergency management staff and Hickory County Sheriff’s Office dispatch staff remained in contact as the system moved through the Hickory County area, and warning systems were activated as information from the National Weather Service was received.
Reported damages were:
• Two trees uprooted and blocking the highway and a shed collapsed near the county line on NN Highway
• A fallen tree on a vehicle in the Galmey area
• A storage structure collapsed and a fallen tree blocking the road in the County Road 340 area
• Scattered power outage points across the county for Southwest Electric and Liberty Utilities
As reports of blockages were received, road crews, fire departments, and deputies worked quickly to clear the debris from the roadways to make them passable.
Should any member of the public need to seek shelter during a storm, refuge centers are available in various locations throughout Hickory County. These locations will be open to the public during TORNADO WARNINGS issued for Hickory County by the National Weather Service. Due to serving the general public, NO PETS are allowed in these locations during refuge time. These locations are not FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) certified shelters.
Cross Timbers: Cross Timbers Baptist Church – Hwy 65 and Hwy P. Entrance is located at the west side door with sheltering in the basement.
Galmey: Galmey Community Bible Church – Hwy 254 across from Pelican Motel. Entrance is located on the south side with sheltering in the basement.
Hermitage: Assembly of God – Hwy 54 just east of OakStar Bank. Entrance is located on the east side with sheltering in the basement.
Hermitage First Baptist Church – Hwy 54 across from Hermitage Casey’s General Store. Entrance is located on the north side with sheltering in the basement.
Weaubleau: First Baptist Church – Hwy 54 next to the Senior Housing. Entrance is located on the west side with sheltering in the basement.
Anyone with interest in becoming a refuge center is encouraged to reach out to Hickory County Emergency Management by phone (417) 655-2367, or email at carolyn.ream.emd@gmail.com. Parties who are interested in becoming a refuge center are advised to check with their insurance carrier for liability coverage and issues that may arise in that coverage. A keyholder responsible for opening the center during storm warnings will need to be available and able to respond and provide access within five to 10 minutes. Some training in operations for those staffing the refuge center will be required.