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'We're very lucky' | Despite tornado damage, St. Louis County residents are feeling grateful they are safe

With max wind gusts at 97 mph, the area just south of Mehlville was hit hard.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — It was a noisy Monday morning on Morningdale Place in Mehlville. 

The south St. Louis County neighborhood was busy, as wood chippers and chainsaws rumbled loudly. 

Multiple items were thrown out after an EF1 tornado came through Sunday.

With max wind gusts at 97 mph, the area just south of Mehlville was hit.

The tornado's path stretched from Interstate 55 in Missouri to just outside of Columbia, Illinois over the Mississippi River. 

Damage was seen at Nikki Krutzsch's home and in the backyard.

"I saw to the right, a funnel but not quite like a tornado but I knew it was bad, so I said, 'We need to go downstairs,'" Krutzch added. "I heard the hail, the wind, it just happened so quickly."

This moment though was soothed with the support of friends and colleagues. Their helping hands cleaned up the debris scattered out front. Even a former student stepped in to assist with their former teacher's yard.

Krutzch said, "Definitely makes you feel good you have all your people with you."

A few doors down is Jackie Maloney. 

She's lived in her home for almost 60 years and she's never seen a storm like this.

She was home Sunday with her daughter.

"When she ran me into the bathroom, we grabbed each other's hands and I started saying a prayer because if it was a foot closer, it would've taken this part of my house. I feel like God, it's a God thing I believe," Maloney shared. 

Her faith holds her down, after multiple items flew away.

Maloney added, "The whole garage is gone, I need a new roof."

The garage was blown off, even falling on one of their cars. The back window of the car had a massive hole in it.

Maloney's family also helped her pick up the pieces.

"Thank God for them, family is the best," she added. 

Valley Park also faced Mother Nature's wrath.

"We've never had the debris that we've had, the damage we've had, nothing to this extent," Mandy Lehmann shared. 

Mandy and Jason Lehmann's home was hit heavily with hail. The same with their three cars.

"My driver side window is cracked, damage on the front of the hood, on sides of the cars," Lehmann said.

The St. Louis County families may be miles apart, but the sentiments are the same. They're feeling grateful.

"We're very lucky, it could've been a lot worse," Lehmann added.  

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