Pilot Grove community picking up the pieces after an EF-2 tornado causes destruction to homes
Today's early morning wake-up call looked very different for residents of Pilot Grove in Cooper county. An EF-2 tornado barreled through northeastern portions of the city causing damage to various homes, garages, power lines, and vehicles leaving many people in shock.
ABC 17 Stormtrack meteorologist Chance Gotsch arrived in Pilot Grove shortly after the passing of the tornado and spent much of the day driving and talking to community members. The best news of the day was there were zero injuries or deaths associated with this tornado. Members of emergency response teams and community members rushed to the aid of those affected.
Dorthy Vollmer was in her home and awake when the tornado push through the property, "I stepped into the door frame, and a limb came through my front door."
Dorthy Vollmer recalls the short time period of the tornadoes passing, "And then it was gone. It was like maybe 3 or 4 minutes. It was gone." Dorothy would have to exit her home through a opening in her storm door by crawling out as both her front and rear entrances in her home were blocked.
Dorthy would shortly after face the damage of the EF-2 tornado. Multiple sheds on the property were completely destroyed with debris flung across property lines and spanning many fields. The garage where her vehicle was stored, had collapsed in stranding her car.
Dorthy would not be alone for long as her daughter Alice Vollmer would arrive shortly after along with many members of the community offering help and support, "They've just been such big help. Everybody stopped by that we've known." Dorthy recalls the incredible support by nearby neighbors and friends, "Everyone's texted us or emailed us and just really been so supportive. I've got so many offers of help. I don't even know what to do."
The American Red Cross made their door to door efforts consulting with those effected by the tornado.
By the end of the afternoon, Como-Connect was fast at work erecting new power-lines in an effort to restore power to those in the area and various roofing and building company's were fast at work.
