Power restored to 700 people

THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 8:18 P.M.

Ameren UE has restored power to more than 700 customers affected by Wednesday's tornado as of 5 p.m. this evening, according to an Ameren UE press release. Contractors and employees of UE plan to have the rest of the power restored by tomorrow.

The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-1 tornado hit the north side of Kirksville yesterday evening. Their measurements are based on an Enhanced Fujita scale that bases assessments on 28 different indicators, including types of damage and wind strength. An EF-1 tornado can generate winds from 86 to 110 mph.

High winds cut power to more than 3,000 total UE customers and knocked down at least 100 large transmission poles, according to the UE press release. UE warned customers of downed power lines and suggested that people should assume that lines are energized and avoid walking into foliage areas where lines aren't visible.