BRUTAL WINDSTORM WAS A CHALLENGE FOR CLEANUP CREWS

When a late-spring windstorm blasted through Cape Girardeau June 8, there was considerable damage to power lines and trees. Even though the National Weather Service said the strong winds weren't caused by a tornado, the scene after the brief but vicious storm looked terrible.

And for the hundreds of folks who were without electricity, damage was even more apparent. In addition to downed trees and limbs everywhere, the powerless homes and businesses had to cope with hot, humid weather, leaks in wind-damaged roofs, thawing freezers and refrigerators and all the other trials and tribulations of being without electricity.

With the help of crews from other areas of the state, Union Electric began the task of restoring power. Most electricity was back on within 24 hours, but the extent of the damage and the difficulty in reaching some locations due either to flooding or fallen trees kept repair crews from some locations.

As a result of the monumental task, most UE customers had little but praise for the power company and its unstinting efforts to respond quickly and efficiently. Some customers, however, who were without power longer than would be normal in isolated power outages, found it difficult to accept that their electricity wasn't restored right away. Some of these customers took out their frustrations on UE employees and officials, who did their best to reassure folks they were doing everything possible.

Emotions have settled down in the days since the windstorm that was accompanied by heavy rainfall and flash flooding that inundated the downtown area, which had remained protected from Mississippi River flooding thanks to the floodwall. Even some customers who were upset with UE in the wake of the storm now agree that the extent of the damage was handled as best as could be expected under the circumstances.

Meanwhile, city crews and private tree-removal companies were doing yeoman work all over the city. Streets had to be opened. Trees and parts of trees that were creating hazardous situations had to be dealt with. The work appeared to be unending, with virtually every home in the city affected in one was or another.

All of the workers who put in long hours to restore utilities and clean up in the aftermath of one of the worst windstorms in recent memory deserve the thanks of grateful residents who, in some cases, suffered for a while but soon were able to return to something resembling a normal life.