A 21-year-old emu named Adam has died after being struck by softball-sized hail during a severe storm in Springfield, Missouri. The bird, which was actually female, sustained fatal head trauma at Dickerson Park Zoo. Zoo officials attributed the death to the emu's instinct to lie down for cover during the storm.
Another bird, Oscar, a 17-year-old rhea, was injured but is recovering with pain medication. The zoo reported that all other animals are safe, and the facility reopened on Thursday after cleaning up significant damage. Some small birds will remain off exhibit until skylights are repaired.
Emergency management officials described the hailstorm as the worst in Springfield's history, with winds gusting up to 70 mph. The storm caused widespread damage, including delays and cancellations of dozens of flights at Springfield-Branson National Airport, closure of a Walmart, and power outages affecting 10,000 customers. By Thursday, just over 240 customers remained without power.
Police warned residents to be cautious of door-knockers offering home inspection or repair services, urging them to research businesses before paying for repairs. The storm has passed, and dry, cold weather is forecast through the weekend. Missouri is part of the region known as 'Tornado Alley,' where tornado activity is expected to increase through early summer.
