FREE ACCESS: (UPDATED WITH NEW INFORMATION) Dexter hospital damaged Saturday evening

UPDATE:

SoutheastHEALTH of Stoddard County released a statement overnight regarding the storm damage and the status of patients and staff.

“Southeast Health of Stoddard County has evacuated all inpatient units as well as the Emergency Department due to a tornado that passed through the Dexter area around 8:20 p.m. Saturday evening. All patients and staff are safe with no report of injuries.

"The system’s facilities and leadership teams are currently on site assessing the facility for storm damages. The hospital will remain closed until the structural assessment is complete. For updates and timeline for when Southeast will safely resume operations please check here for updates and or our online newsroom at SeHealth.org.”

There have been several reports of damage including downed trees, limbs and power lines in the Dexter area following Saturday evening's storms.

One Mile Road is closed near Sonic.

Stoddard County Emergency Management Director Andrew Bohnert said SoutheastHEALTH of Stoddard County has suffered significant damage to the north side of the building. Bohnert said an O2 line and natural gas line have been damaged.

He said patients are being transferred to other hospitals.

The city is asking that everyone stay home and avoid the damaged areas in the northern part of the city. City personnel is currently addressing the damage. Areas around the hospital have been closed as well.

Bohnert said no injuries have been reported.

All of Southeast Missouri was under a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch or warning throughout much of Saturday evening.