By KWMU
St. Louis, MO – Storms packing heavy winds moved through the St. Louis region last night and caused widespread damage.
A half million people lost power and most were without power today on what's forecast to be the hottest day of the summer. Ameren says it will be a few days before everyone has their lights back on.
That has leaders scrambling to help the thousands of people without power keep cool, as the 100-degree temperatures that hit Wednesday are expected again today (Thursday).
One problem is that not all government-run cooling centers are open in the region because they, too, are without power. As a result, other public places like churches and malls that do have power are being asked to let people in to stay cool.
Other cooling centers, both city and privately-run, are being set up at:
- Bevo Community Center, 4705 Ridgewood (352-0141)
- Carondolet Senior Center, 6518 Michigan (353-9425)
- Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman
- Crossroads School, 500 DeBaliviere (212-3149)
- Downtown Library, 1301 Olive (241-2288)
- Emge Jr. High School, 7401 Westchester Dr, Belleville
- Forest Park Community College
- Gamble Center, 2907 Gamble (531-0505)
- All Heartland Bank branches
- Kingdom House, 1321 S. 11th St. (421-0400)
- Old Bonhomme School in Olivette.
- Patch Neighborhood Center, 7925 Minnesota (638-0150)
- New City School, 5209 Waterman (361-6411)
- St. Cecilia Church, 906 Eichelberger (353-2455)
- St. Louis Senior Center, 5602 Arsenal (645-3477)
- Roosevelt Towne Apartments, Euclid & Delmar
- Marquette Recreation Center, 4025 Minnesota (south City)
- Wohl Recreation Center, 1515 N. Kingshighway (north City)
- O'Fallon, Mo. City Hall, 100 N. Main Street
- O'Fallon Senior Center, 106 N. Main
- Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle
- St. Louis Library - Schlafly Branch, Euclid & Lindell (367-4120
- St. Louis Library - Carondelet Branch, 6800 Michigan (752-9224)
- St. Louis Library - Julia Davis Branch, 4415 Natural Bridge (383-3021)
- St. Louis Library - Carpenter Branch, 3309 S. Grand (772-6586)
- St. Louis Library - Charing Cross Branch, 356 N. Skinker (726-2653)
- St. Louis Library - Marketplace Branch, 6458 Manchester (647-0939)
- St. Louis Library - Baden Branch, 8448 Church (388-2400)
- University City School Administration Building, 8136 Grobe (290-4000)
- Webster University dining hall (until 7) at Big Bend & Edgar. People can park anywhere on campus, more information: 968-6900
- YWCA, 4510 S. Kingshighway (353-4960)
- The Humane Society of Missouri (for animals), 1201 Macklind.
There is a boil water order in effect for everyone who is north of I-70, including Lambert Airport. Missouri-American Water issued a the order after the storms caused a water treatment plant to lose power to the pumps which distribute water to the area.
Meanwhile, the Humane Society is encouraging businesses to let workers bring pets with them to work if they don't have power at home. But Spokeswoman Jean Jae if that's not possible, the Humane Society's St. Louis office is opening its doors as a cooling center. "We have plenty of food and water, so we can take care of whatever pets we receive today, and we will put kennels in every available place throughout the center," Jae said.
Owners can drop off their pets today and pick them up after work this evening.
Two of St. Louis County's three community health centers are closed in North County. The John Murphy Center in Berkeley and the North Central Center in Pine Lawn are both closed, but the SOuth County Health Center on Lindbergh is open.
People also can call 1-800-427-4626 for information on which cooling centers near them are functioning.
St. Louis County has set up a hotline for assistance at 314-615-5000
To report downed power lines, call 314-231-1212.