Joplin families begin cleanup after overnight storms
JOPLIN, Mo. — Cleanup is the focus for dozens of Joplin families today as they pick through the wreckage left behind by the storm.
“I started hearing like gushes of wind, like few-few-few-few. I was like, Oh my gosh, that sounds like a tornado, you know, and then I heard the trees cracking and falling,” said Autumn Tate, Joplin Tornado Victim.
Autumn Tate had just gotten into her SUV – protecting her from the storm that crushed a Volkswagen just feet away.
“It’s completely crushed and demolished,” said Autumn Tate, Joplin Tornado Victim.
Just one of the homes near 11th and Rex that now have a long path back to normal.
There are downed power lines, damage to siding, windows & roofs, and many & many trees broken and uprooted.
“We do have some wiring domain wires coming into the house and pulling our box so we’ve got a car damage I got some damage on my truck,” said John Perry, Joplin Tornado Victim.
Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma assess damage following severe storms and tornados
But even all that is second on the checklist.
“Checking on neighbors – make sure neighbors are good. And thank God they’re all good and safe too. And you know just looking at all the carnage of our house and stuff. Now the main thing is we’re safe – the house can be fixed,” said Perry.
A task that isn’t exactly new for Robert Hubbard a couple of blocks away.
Residents like Robert Hubbard who also experienced the 2011 Joplin tornado.
“I was living at 26th and Annie Baxter had tornado damage over there. Took off the back part of the house,” said Robert Hubbard, Joplin Tornado Victim.
Hubbard is focused on getting electricity restored – before tackling what’s next on the list.
“The shingles came off. The roof is dented on this side from that metal roofing from the lumberyard over there,” said Hubbard.
