01-05-2025
Lessons learned from CJ tornadoes shared at public meeting
CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — Carl Junction city leaders are sharing lessons learned from past storms affecting the town.
A severe weather roundtable was held at the CJ Community Center, where police officers, firefighters, school officials, and storm spotters provided the public with important severe weather information.
Various speakers talked about severe weather preparedness, and what the recovery process is like after the storm.
Carl Junction is no stranger to damaging severe weather events.
The community was struck by two violent tornadoes in two decades.
The first one was May 4, 2003. The EF-3 tornado claimed two lives, injured 15 others, and destroyed or damaged more than 600 homes and businesses.
Then, on May 22, 2019, another EF-3 tornado touched down in Carl Junction's Briarbrook neighborhood, destroying or damaging over 330 homes.
'The Carl Junction community has had their share of tornadoes, some larger than others. The community here, though, is so connected. We just had a tornado on Easter and literally within 30 minutes, people were outside with chainsaws helping one another,' said storm chaser, Eric Baab.
'It doesn't just have to be a tornado. You know, our preclusion for straight line winds, and making sure that people are able to have as much prep work done before the storm as possible,' said Carl Junction Fire Chief, Joe Perkins.
Wednesday's gathering was also part of a Facebook Live broadcast. You can watch a recording of the event, HERE.
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