June 26, 2018 went from being a rather routine day for Adrianne Stapleford to one she won’t forget any time soon.
Stapleford, a Eureka High graduate, was working that evening at Orscheln Farm and Ranch and near the end of her shift that evening.
She took out her cell phone and snapped a few shots before rushing inside. Right behind was the tornado, which ripped off part of the store’s roof before heading off to the northeast.
Stapleford says that wouldn’t be what she considers her normal approach to a tornado.
The twister drew a bead on the store, ripping off part of the roof, and then headed toward the Stapleford house. As the tornado moved away, Adrianne was told they faced another immediate danger.
There’s not much damage visible on the north side, but the family’s three-car garage was completely blown away. Mandi Stapleford says there was damage to the north side as well.
Having said that, Mandi Stapleford says things could have turned out much worse.
The Staplefords say they are amazed by the response to the tornado from near and far.
At the end of the day, Mandi Stapleford tells KVOE News she’s glad her family can rebuild — and reset their lives.
Photos by Adrianne Stapleford
{gallery}Eureka Tornado Adrianne Stapleton Pics{/gallery}
KVOE News ongoing coverage
*Click here for Saturday’s report on the injured and the attendance at the Multi-Agency Resource Center
*Click here for Saturday’s story on the return of electric power and a deluge of donations
*Click here for June 29’s update on debris clearing efforts and food/water donations
*Click here for June 28’s update on the number of damaged structures, the ongoing help of Emporia and Lyon County government agencies and the upcoming implementation of the MARC
*Click here for information on the June 27 tour by Gov. Jeff Colyer and the National Weather Service’s preliminary rating
*Click here for June 27s damage assessment by Eureka and Greenwood County officials
*Click here for June 27’s story on how to help the recovery effort
*Click here for June 27’s initial story and photos about the Eureka tornado
