Villa Ridge faces long road to recovery after tornado damage

VILLA RIDGE, Mo. – Villa Ridge, a small community in Franklin County, Missouri, took a direct hit from Friday evening’s severe storms, leaving behind a trail of devastation.

On Saturday, the National Weather Service determined an EF-2 tornado ripped through the community. The community now grapples with the destruction left behind and prepares for lengthy cleanup efforts ahead.

FOX 2’s Drone FOX went overhead the harrowing scenes of a Burger King location along Highway 100 and Old Route 66.

The roof is almost completely gone. One semi-truck in the parking lot was flipped onto its side from powerful winds. Cars were shifted from their original positions, and windows were blown out, leaving the restaurant in shambles.

Thirteen people were inside the Burger King restaurant when the storm rolled through, but fortunately, first responders say they all made it out safely.

The neighboring Phillips 66 gas station also suffered significant damage, with its awning torn off. Less than half a mile up the highway, a BP gas station had its sign ripped away. Its canopy and gas pumps were also severely damaged.

A short distance away, the red roof is shredded at the former Ozarkland store, and debris from fallen trees is scattered across the landmark.

All across town, bent and snapped utility poles were common sights. A massive billboard that once stood proudly is now nothing more than a twisted pile of metal.

First responders are dealing with unique challenges too. Crews have been out around the clock trying to restore electricity and clear debris with power lines bloclking roads and scattered wreckage slowing recovery efforts.

The Meramec Ambulance District’s building on Highway 100 lost much of its roof, though its flag still resiliently waves in the wind.

Across the street, an industrial yard is littered with damaged dump trucks, construction equipment, and mangled storage facilities.

With so many homes and businesses destroyed and damaged, a long and difficult road to recovery lies ahead for the Villa Ridge community.