CAPE SUFFERS LITTLE FROM STORM

The storm that ripped a path of damage through central Missouri and central Illinois blew through Southeast Missouri with very little damage.

Wind gusts at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport measured 50 mph at the storm's peak early Tuesday morning.

But the worst damage reported locally were tree limbs down and a large number of leaves falling into streets.

"It was kind of surprising as high as the winds that we didn't have much more damage," said Tim Gramling, Cape Girardeau assistant public works director. "Usually we have all kind of trees down with winds not nearly as strong as these."

The leaves pose a clean-up problem for the city, which has just started it's annual leaf pick-up. Homeowners are asked to keep raked leaves out of the streets. Rainwater washes the leaves into the storm sewers.

Cape Girardeau police reported one accident during the storm when a motorist on South Sprigg Street hydroplaned and ran off the roadway.