UPDATED: The National Weather Service says the tornado was up to one mile wide, and as it continued Southeast, it weaked to an EF-1 at Granby. It then took a direct path into the city of Newtonia and Barry County where it went back up in strength to an EF- 2 before lifting near the city of McDowell.

Relief efforts following deadly tornadoes in southwest Missouri continued Sunday.

DEADLY AND DESTRUCTIVE

At least 14 people died in southwest Missouri Saturday night when a powerful series of storms including some likely tornadoes cut across three states.

Emergency crews are combing through farm fields and piles of debris looking for bodies and survivors.

Susie Stonner is spokeswoman for the State Emergency Management Agency. She says one person was killed in Jasper County, one was killed in Barry County, and 12 were reported killed in Newton County near the border with Oklahoma, where seven people died.

Stonner said crews were combing the storm-struck area, searching for victims and assessing damage. She said it was unclear how many homes were damaged, but that Newton County authorities had initial estimates of 50 homes damaged or destroyed there.

Keith Stammer is acting as spokesman for Newton County emergency operations. He says 19 people are hospitalized.

Picher, Okla., and Newton County, Mo., sustained the most damage.




IN THE DARK
The Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives reports New-Mac is the hardest hit member, with about 350 poles down. About 4,000 to 5,000 thousand customers are reportedly without power around the state. About 100 additional linemen and contractors are reportedly on-scene to assist New-Mac. It may be Wednesday before all power is restored in that area.

NUMBERS TO CALL
The American Red Cross is coordinating all efforts from its office at 410 S. Jackson in Joplin. Families in need of help should call 1-866-221-8238.

The office of Gov. Matt Blunt is encouraging citizens to call 211 for non-emergency help. They may also call 1-800-427-4626 in areas where the 211 service does not yet exist.

People needing to check on loved ones may call 1-800-GET-INFO.

Americorps has mobilized two teams, one is enroute to Southwest Missouri. Supervisor is in Neosho coordinating Americorps response. Call-in numbers set up for residents needing help with debris clean up. The numbers are (417) 451-8248 or 8249 and will be staffed from 9 AM – 4 PM daily.


SHELTER INFORMATION
The Red Cross has established shelters at the following locations:
Calvary Baptist Church, 2650 Oakridge Extensions, Neosho, Mo.; First Baptist Church, Seneca, Mo.


The Missouri National Guad has 20 men and women providing security to tornado-damaged areas of Newtonia and Granby.

As of 4 p.m. Sunday, the State Emergency Management reported the shelter at the Purdy Community Center is closed. It’s believed about 150-175 buildings have been affected with about a dozen destroyed. Most power is back on around the county.