Storm damages buildings on and around Carthage square

Apr. 2—CARTHAGE, Mo. — A severe thunderstorm packing winds of more than 70 miles per hour, heavy rain and lightning pushed through Jasper County late Monday, damaging roofs, windows and vehicles on the Carthage Square and knocking out power to much of the city.

The storefront glass windows were destroyed at the All Good store, 348 Grant St., on the square and roofing material from at least one and maybe more structures on the south side of the square was strewn on roads and sidewalks. Other buildings had broken windows and damaged facades.

Power lines were also down on a number of streets around the square including along a two-block stretch of Fifth Street.

Damage was difficult to assess as heavy rain fell and lightning flashed until well after midnight.

Workers with the Carthage Water & Electric Plant were out in force installing new utility poles and restoring power across Carthage.

Power was restored to the Square shortly after midnight although some buildings were still dark. The National Weather Service in Springfield said Carthage was under a tornado warning around 10 p.m. Monday but they wouldn't know until they get a chance to inspect the damage in daylight whether the damage was caused by straight line winds or a tornado.

National Weather Service storm reports Tuesday morning included gusts of 68 miles per hour and 72 miles per hour in Airport Drive west of Carthage.

There were also reports of a tree down at the roundabout at Missouri 43 and Missouri 171 at Stone's Corner and of roof damage just west of Carthage.

Damage to trees was severe in Carthage's Municipal Park with a number of large old trees either snapped part way up their trunk or pushed over with their roots pulled out of the ground.

Some roads in Municipal Park and other parts of the city were blocked by tree limbs.