Springfield Congressman Billy Long says he wishes he could propose legislation to eliminate May 22 on the calendar and go from May 21 to 23.
When Long’s oldest daughter was born on May 22, 1986, his wife’s hospital bed was moved into the hallway at a Springfield hospital because of a tornado warning.
The deadly 2011 Joplin and Wednesday’s Carl Junction tornadoes also happened on that date.
“May 22nd of 2011, and of 2019, just seems that day really seems to bring out the tornadoes here,” said Long.
Congressman Long traveled to Carl Junction on Friday to view tornado damage. He tells Missourinet he traveled by golf cart to get further inside the subdivision.
He describes the scene as “total devastation.” He says 19 homes have been destroyed in one subdivision. Long says he’s been in contact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order to help in any way possible.
The National Weather Service says the tornado was on the ground for 14 minutes. Long says residents are appreciative knowing that someone cares.
The congressman says a man in the neighborhood shook hands and hugged me and said “Thank you. We saw you go by on the golf cart a while ago and we’re just so appreciative for you to take the time to come down here.”
Long praises volunteers who turned out to assist, saying there is a lot of community spirit in the town.
