1 dead in Butler County; around 500 homes, 50 businesses impacted from tornado

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. (KFVS) - One person is dead in Butler County after severe weather hit the Heartland.

The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF3 tornado with estimated peak winds of 138 mph hit Poplar Bluff.

Butler County EMA Director Robbie Myers said about 500 homes and 50 businesses were impacted.

He said one church was destroyed.

County leaders are still assessing the full impact. There will be several meetings on Monday to set up the next steps for debris removal and coordinating with national groups.

As of Monday, Myers said the shelter at the Black River Coliseum has been shut down due to the lack of need. He said they may reopen it if the need arises.

Butler County Coroner Jim Akers confirmed the one death. He identified the victim as 62-year-old Ronnie Ezell.

As far as what’s next for residents, Myers said they should assess the damage at their homes and the EMA will work with them.

“Some of your neighbors are going to need a lot of help, so we will be here at the coliseum, we’ll probably be collecting some different goods. We’ll be working, helping clean up. We’ll be working with some non-profit groups to help clean up trees and other debris that’s in private property. Our county, city and state workers will clean up the county and city and county roads, but private property gets a little bit harder for government to get on, so we got good partners coming to help us with that,” he said.

Myers said they’re going to make a list of needed donations and will share that as soon as they can.

In Poplar Bluff, the Ridgel Branch of the city’s library was heavily damaged.

According to Poplar Bluff Library Director Shannon Midyett, the branch will be closed for the foreseeable future. The Main Street Branch doesn’t seem to have detectable damage, but it will be closed until Monday as well to focus on recovery efforts in the community. The Main St. Branch is expected to reopen at 9 a.m. on March 17.

We received photos of a lightning strike near the main branch. It is unclear at this time if it struck the building.