POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. – The road to recovery has begun for many residents of Poplar Bluff, who are grappling with the aftermath of an EF-3 tornado which struck on March 14, 2025. The tornado tore through Butler County, leaving families to sift through the wreckage and hope for restoration as they deal with the devastation of their homes and lives.
Carl Parker, one resident who lived through the terrifying experience, shared his harrowing story. He described how he was thrown about 60 feet from his mobile home when the storm hit. "I went to my front door and when I looked out, I thought, ‘Oh it’s already here.’ So, I jumped in the bathtub and next thing I know, my house is up in the air," Parker explained. Despite the destruction of his home, he expressed gratitude for surviving, saying, "I feel blessed, you know, I’m alive. Everything I got is gone, but, you know, I’m blessed. God kept me alive."
The storm claimed one life and left several others injured, causing significant destruction across neighborhoods, especially at the Harmony Hills Mobile Home Park where Parker lived. Preliminary investigations indicate Missouri was hit by 19 tornadoes during the same weekend, leading to 12 fatalities statewide.
On Shady Lane, also hard hit by the storm, Julie Burnett recounted her family's narrow escape. She and her husband were at home when the storm struck. Burnett took shelter with her daughter, but her husband remained upstairs and narrowly avoided serious injury when the storm caused an oak tree to crash onto their home. "He has a scratch on his foot and a bump on his head... and he’s — he’s okay," Burnett told KBSI, relieved to have him out safely. Currently, the couple is waiting on insurance adjusters to assess the damage and determine the prospects for recovery.
Beyond individual experiences, the spirit of community resilience has shone brightly through the recovery efforts. Colleen Kartchner, another Poplar Bluff resident, discussed the emotional toll the tornado brought back, recalling her experience during the devastating EF-5 tornado in Joplin. She is now focused on helping her neighbors through the recovery process. "It creates such a spirit of community... just a beautiful experience when people pull together like this," Kartchner said. Her insight emphasizes the importance of pacing recovery. "The Joplin tornado was years of recovery. So, it's not a quick fix, and you have to kind of go at it little by little. It’s like eating an elephant," she advised.
Kolenton, along with many other residents, have taken it upon themselves to pitch in during this challenging time. Neighbors are sharing food, water, and supplies with those most impacted by the tornado's wrath. This communal effort reflects the resilience and kindness of the community. "It’s been amazing to see the community come together — people marching up and down the streets with food, water, tarps and offering help wherever needed," Burnett remarked.
Meanwhile, residents like Christopher Mattox have been left with harsh realities following the tornado. He and his wife are now displaced, unsure of where they will stay, expressing their concerns by saying, "We don’t have anything." This sentiment resonates across many families affected by the storm, where material loss is compounded with emotional strain.
The community of Poplar Bluff is, nevertheless, pulling together, showing remarkable determination to assist those who have lost so much. Volunteers and residents alike are making daily efforts to help their neighbors recover from the destruction. Throughout this tough period, people are reflecting on what really matters: companionship, kindness, and resilience.
Recovery will take time, and for many like Parker, the rebuilding of lives and homes has just begun. "I just look across and see stuff; we’ll find it. You know, I’m positive we’ll find what I’m looking for. The more important things can be replaced, and that's fine," he optimistically noted.
While much work liesahead, the community is united, gathering resources, and offering assistance—showing the strength of togetherness amid adversity. Through personal stories of survival and communal efforts, Poplar Bluff is embarking on the slow but hopeful road to recovery.
