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CWS situation report: U.S. tornadoes, Fall 2007

October 22, 2007

This update includes information relative to recovery work in Indiana and Florida.

The network of storms that swept across the central U.S. last week hit Indiana and Florida particularly hard. The town of Nappanee, IN endured strong storm damage from a tornado that packed 160-mph winds, damaging 200 to 250 businesses.

Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties in Florida sustained damages. American Red Cross reports 10 structures destroyed, 28 with major damage in the Pensacola area.

Vulnerable Communities Watch

Three of Nappanee's largest employers are recreational vehicle manufacturers. All three sites endured damage, which may have long-term employment ramifications.

CWS Response

CWS Emergency Response Specialist Lura Cayton has been in contact with Indiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (INVOAD), which is convening a long-term recovery group to serve Nappanee. INVOAD seeks any and all voluntary agency participation.

The Pensacola area has built significant capacity in recent years to respond to storms, so no CWS response in Florida is anticipated at this time.

Media Contact:
Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676;
Jan Dragin, 781-925-1526;

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