Red Cross to provide assistance to tornado victims in HSV,

The American Red Cross will be at Balboa Baptist Church from noon to 5 p.m. today to provide assistance for individuals and families impacted by Thursday’s tornado, according to John A. Brimley, regional communications manager for the American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas.

According to the National Weather Service, the tornado, which was an EF2 at its onset, touched down just north of the Mountain Valley community near the intersection of Highway 7 north and Casual Place at 7:57 p.m. Thursday.

Extensive tree damage consistent with an EF-2 was observed as the tornado moved northeastward into Hot Springs Village “with an impressive number of snapped trunks and uprooted trees. Through this area, many homes sustained damage primarily from falling trees as opposed to direct tornado winds,” according to the Weather Service’s damage survey.

County Judge Darryl Mahoney shared a message from Entergy on Facebook Sunday morning stating that approximately 47 customers remained out of service in the Village. “We should have everyone who can take power back on today,” the message said.

First Electric Cooperative Corp. provides power to the Saline County side of the Village.