Mo. Governor Declares State of Emergency Due to Winter Storms

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt issued executive orders this weekend declaring a state of emergency and activating the Missouri National Guard in response to the winter ice storm. Gov. Blunt also put the Disaster Medical Assistance Team on standby in anticipation of mounting emergencies.

“As we actively assess needs and damages, my first concern remains for Missourians’ safety,” Blunt said. “These orders ensure state resources are available to keep Missourians safe in the wake of the snow and ice and as they face freezing temperatures over the next few days.”

The storm also caused havoc in Texas and Oklahoma and has now moved into Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. Insurers say it is too early to list a tally of claims.

In Missouri the storm system which hit mainly in the southwest corner of the state has so far left nearly 200,000 households without power on the onset of what is predicted to be the coldest weekend so far this winter. Many communities now are dealing with widespread closings and cancellations, triggered by ice and snow, but it is concerns about power outages paired with well-below freezing temperatures that triggered the governor’s orders. Power outages are dispersed throughout the state, with Springfield and the St. Louis area hit hardest.

The governor’s executive orders declare a state of emergency in the State of Missouri, activate the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan directing state agencies to provide support in affected areas as needed, and activate the Missouri National Guard.

Source: Missouri, Office of the Governor