1971 storm

Southeast Missourian archive

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

On July 11, 1971, Southeast Missouri was struck by a severe electrical storm that damaged the historic covered bridge at Burfordville, flipped mobile homes, toppled trees and utility poles, and caused the destruction of the main hangar at Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport.

Published July 15, 1971. Gary Seesing, son of John T. Seesing, co-owner of Cape Central Airways, gazes at the heap of debris left by the early-morning fire whichy destroyed the Municipal Airport's main hangar after it was struck by lightniing. (Southeast Missourian archive)

Published July 15, 1971. Workers prepare to pull the city's pumper from a ditch into which it ran en route to the fire. Water across he roadway made it impossible for the driver to see. (Southeast Missourian archive)

Published July 15, 1971. A mobile home at the Montgomery Mobile Home Sales between Chaffee and Dutchtown was overturned and others were slightly damaged. (Southeast Missourian archive)
Published July 22, 1971. Michael Meyer, 17, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Meyer of Near Tilsit, perches atop farmhouse chimney as he tkes a break from repairing the home damaged in last week's storm that ravaged much of Southeast Missouri. (Southeast Missourian archive)