When is enough enough? Last week the community, and surrounding areas, were having large grass fires due to the extreme dry conditions. The Town of Depew saw two fires within a day apart. The Milfay, Bristow, Stroud and Depew Fire Departments battled the blazes and thankfully no homes were lost. The area around Cushing had three fires going at the same time, keeping the local fire departments busy battling those blazes and in certain areas residents had to be evacuated.
That all changed Saturday evening, when the first storms of the season rolled through town, leaving its mark and wreaking havoc. Around 4 a.m. Sunday morning, severe storms with extensive winds and heavy rain fell in the area. About the same time, the tornado siren went off notifying the community to take cover.
According to reports, areas received over 3.5 inches over rain and winds reached close to 80 miles per hour in other areas. Damage was left in its trail with downed trees, holes in roofs, with shingles and debris all over. The intersection of Fourth and Main received extensive damage. The winds lifted a central heat and air unit off the top of the roof at the former Beach House. It snapped poles that were holding the sign for State Farm Insurance. Across the street it ripped the metal roof off Warpaint Tattoo and on Eighth Street, a tree fell through the roof of a gentleman's home. Tree limbs down all over town and left hundreds of homes without power. Sunday and Monday more rain fell and since the ground was so dry it couldn't soak it up fast enough and the wind had blown so many leaves into gutters, it was clogging the drainage systems causing flooding in areas.
No more rain is forecast until Friday with a 60 percent chance and temperatures staying in the mid to upper 60's.
The city will be picking up the downed and broken limbs and debris from the storm from now until Wednesday, Nov. 27. The debris must be stacked at the curb. Call Dena at the city, (918) 367-2237, ext 1, and leave your address. Also be patient, the city crews will be working hard to get it all collected.