Tornado Updates

Hazelwood Editor Survives Tornado: 'I Never Got a Chance to Pray'

Hazelwood Patch Editor Candace Jarrett reflects on experiencing the EF2 tornado that ripped through Hazelwood Wednesday. Where were you when the sudden storm hit?

As I wrap up my almost 24-hour work day, I'm finally able to sit back and think about the fact I survived a tornado on Wednesday. You always look at media coverage and movies where natural disasters happen, and I don't know about you, but I've asked myself time after time: "What would I do if I were in that situation?" First, I would pray to the good Lord above. Second, I would whip out my camera and go into journalist mode. Third, when all the chaos was over, I would ensure my family was OK. When it happens, plans go out the window, kind of like when you deliver a baby. As I drove down Howdershell Road Wednesday night, slowing to a halt near Lynn Haven Lane because of heavy rains, I can't tell you much about what happened because I was in…

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Candace Jarrett

2:13 pm on Friday, April 12, 2013

Thanks Rick. I'm glad to hear your are doing okay also. I haven't seen you on here lately. They always see pets and babies can sense these sort of things.   more ›

Sunset Hills Officer Takes Home A Performance Award for Tornado Work

Lt. Greg Zveitel swiftly stepped into action as the tornado struck the city New Year's Eve, officials said.

Sunset Hills Police Lt. Greg Zveitel was recognized by the city's Board of Aldermen with a performance award for his swift response to the tornado that struck the city New Year's Eve. Zveitel was on duty at noon on New Year's Eve, a holiday for most staff, and immediately notified key city officials as the crisis unfolded. He took efforts to mobilize personnel.  According to Mayor Bill Nolan, Zveitel was one of the city's "consummate professionals" responding to the tornado's bewildering and nearly overwhelming destruction. "Our police force was securing the area, establishing perimeters, moving onlookers from the site and damaged stores, and controlling the situation," when other officials arrived about 15 minutes later, Nolan said. …

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Survivors Draw Serious Money

Sunset Hills City officials calculate $127,000 in donations so far for tornado help fund.

Donations have hit $127,000 for the  Tornado Assistance Fund in Sunset Hills, according to City Clerk Laura Rider. Clothing donations have been overwhelming and officials said they have passed some on to other areas. Household items were still being accepted by the city. Generous area residents continue to stop by City Hall or send donations through the mail to the tornado fund, city officials said. The city has already dispersed about $48,000 of the total funding to some 12 families who lost their belongings, homes and cars in an instant during the New Year’s Eve tornado that struck at Lindbergh and East Watson Road. Many of those victims--who now say they prefer to be called survivors--did not have insurance or adequate insurance …

MRI Machine Owners Sound the All Clear

Release of helium gas into the air renders machine harmless, SSM Health Care says.

Friday, 10:13 am, SSM Health Care owners of MRI machine released this statement: "We have received good news this morning. Work crews were granted approval to enter the building and cleared a path to the MRI machine. Two GE techs safely vented and shut down the magnet at 9:45 a.m. During the venting process helium gas was released into the atmosphere. This gas is not hazardous to the environment or people. MRI machines do not use radiation but instead employ magnet technology. Now that the MRI has been shut down there is no risk to the community.  "We would like to thank the local public safety officials and the technical experts who worked around the clock to find a safe and quick solution to the issue and maintain public safety."