POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. (KFVS) – One person is dead in Butler County after severe weather hit the Heartland.

Butler County EMA Director Robbie Myers said they are setting up a shelter at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

He said this was widespread when it hit.

Myers also said multiple homes were damaged, as well as lots of areas with downed trees and power lines.

Search and rescue efforts were underway at a mobile home park.

Butler County Coroner Jim Akers confirmed the one death. He identified the victim as 62-year-old Ronnie Ezell.

As far as what’s next for residents, Myers said they should assess the damage at their homes and the EMA will work with them.

“Some of your neighbors are going to need a lot of help, so we will be here at the coliseum, we’ll probably be collecting some different goods. We’ll be working, helping clean up. We’ll be working with some non-profit groups to help clean up trees and other debris that’s in private property. Our county, city and state workers will clean up the county and city and county roads, but private property gets a little bit harder for government to get on, so we got good partners coming to help us with that,” he said.

Myers said they’re going to make a list of needed donations and will share that as soon as they can.

In Poplar Bluff, the Ridgel Branch of the city’s library was heavily damaged.

According to Poplar Bluff Library Director Shannon Midyett, the branch will be closed for the foreseeable future. The Main Street Branch doesn’t seem to have detectable damage, but it will be closed until Monday as well to focus on recovery efforts in the community. The Main St. Branch is expected to reopen at 9 a.m on March 17.

We received photos of a lightning strike near the main branch. It is unclear at this time if it struck the building.

Lightning strike near Poplar Bluff Library.(Ethan Stone)

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