Tagged: tornado

At 1:30 p.m. today the entire state of Missouri will hold a tornado drill. So, if you hear warning sirens, don't worry, it's just a drill. However, if you notice any problems, such as malfunctioning alerts or warning sirens, tell us about them here in the comments, on our Facebook page or through Twitter (@stlpublicradio).

Because it's always good to be prepared, here's a website from the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency with more information on tornadoes, including the difference between a tornado warning and a tornado watch, and tips on getting to a safe place no matter where you are when a tornado threatens your area.

Southern Ill. denied federal disaster aid

The parts of southern Illinois destroyed by deadly storms and a tornado last month will not be declared federal disaster areas.

U.S Senator Dick Durbin says FEMA's decision will make it tough on local government, businesses and individuals affected by the storms.

Authorities in southern Illinois say a seventh person has died from injuries suffered in the EF-4 tornado that slammed into the town of Harrisburg on Feb. 29.

Saline County coroner Doug Watson says 70-year-old Donald Smith, a retired coal miner from Harrisburg, died Wednesday night at a hospital in Indiana. Smith's wife remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Most of the victims, including the Smiths, lived along a street that took the brunt of the storm, which authorities say was 200 yards wide and packed sustained winds of 170 miles per hour.

Mo. governor Jay Nixon is seeking federal assistance for 18 Missouri counties hit by last week's violent storms.

Nixon said Wednesday he has requested a federal major disaster declaration for parts of southern and northern Missouri struck by tornadoes, hail and high winds on Feb. 28 and 29. The weather was blamed for three deaths, dozens of injuries and widespread property damage.