Thursday, September 4, 2025

Late Summer storm pummels 18 highway corridor

 

Daylight allowed the Osborn's to see what might be salvageable following a severe storm that destroyed their home yesterday evening

"We're still in shock" said Todd Osborn as he, wife Christy and neighbors assess damage to their home just northwest of Adrian following what has been deemed as a 'severe microburst' that transitioned along a line just north of 18 highway last night.

Neither were at the residence when the storm hit. Christy had just left for work and Todd was returning home when he noticed a dark, nefarious cloud formation in the direction of his home but had no clue what he would find when he arrived.

"The roof was mostly gone, the south wall is leaning in and most of the interior has water damage" he noted as he surveyed the damage this morning.

To add insult to injury, the Osborn's had just moved into the new home and were adding the finishing touches. "We were that close" said Christy as she stared in disbelief "We were living in a camper and it was so hot, we decided to move into the house and this happens."

While waiting for insurance personnel to arrive today, Todd remains optimistic. "It's all stuff that can be replaced. Thank God no one was hurt."


This camper served as living quarters while Todd and Christy Osborn of rural Adrian completed their dream home, which now lies in ruin

Other areas sustained damage including inside the city limits of Adrian, according to Fire Chief Gary Dizney who along with crews spent most of the night clearing limbs and keeping others away from downed power lines, while staying in contact with Osage Valley and Evergy to help speed up the process of getting the power back on for many.

It was truly a coordinated effort as the Bates County Sheriff's Office, Bates County EMA, the Missouri Highway Patrol and other first responders were also working most of the night to insure that anyone who needed help got it.

"I’m super proud of our emergency responders" said Sheriff Chad Anderson. "Working until 1:30am wasn’t on my wish list but if I’m going to work, I want to work with the best people in the world."

He added "I can’t help but think about the linemen who work for Osage Valley and Evergy. Something like 11 poles down and they were out there hustling to get people power. So say a prayer for them as they have a very dangerous job and I know they have to be tired. I also want to give a huge shout out to the Adrian Police Department, Adrian Fire Department and the Missouri Highway Patrol for the awesome teamwork!"


Osage Valley crews likely will be busy most of the day as seen here near the substation west of Adrian. Just across the road (below) a fishing dock was completely destroyed





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