Jefferson City leaders document two years since EF3 tornado

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Jefferson City community leaders and organizations held a Restoring Hope Press Conference Friday morning to document the anniversary of the EF3 tornado, which hit the city two years ago.

The EF3 tornado hit Jefferson City on May 22, 2019, causing damage to many homes and businesses within the city. Even a year ago, some families were still recovering from the destruction of the natural disaster.

According to Federal Emergency Management Agency, an EF3 tornado has wind speeds of anywhere between 136-165 mph.

The event was held on Ashley Street in Jefferson City at one of the four Habitat for Humanity homes that were built as part of the organization's Road to Recovery effort for disaster survivor families.

Speakers for the event included Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin, Missouri State Senator Mike Bernskoetter (R-District 6), and disaster survivor Akisha Walls. Organizations speaking at the event include Habitat for Humanity, Ameren Missouri, and United Way of Central Missouri.

“It has been two years since our beautiful community was devastated by the EF3 tornado. We were so blessed to see central Missouri come together to help one another and become an even stronger community in the aftermath of the storm,” Ann Bax, President/CPO of United Way of Central Missouri said. “The Long-Term Recovery Committee was formed shortly after the tornado to assist disaster survivors in becoming whole again."

In a release for the event, Bax went on to say how the organization will continue to help survivors of the natural disaster.

"I am proud of the work this committee has done these last two years, and we continue to be dedicated to making sure every last disaster survivor receives the help and resources they need to return to their new normal," Bax said.