City crews remove an amazing 1.4 million pounds of debris from storms

Many Madison County residents are still reeling from the storms that swept through the area last week, after more than 4,000 homes were left without power and major property damage was reported county-wide.

In fact, city officials say more than a million pounds of debris has been removed from streets and property within Huntsville alone.

Storms cause some major damage

City officials say cleanup crews have already removed 1.4 million pounds of debris left after a series of storms and multiple tornadoes pushed through North Alabama last week. And they crews are far from finished.

Huntsville Public Works Director Chris McNeese projected crews will gather about the same amount of debris with personnel and equipment devoted exclusively to cleanup on Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18.

“Crews have done an outstanding job in removing debris and clearing roadways and we ask for everyone’s patience because they still have a lot of work to do. Their dedication has been greatly appreciated as they help residents recover from the storms.”

Chris McNeese, Public Works director

Maple Hill Cemetery was hit hard by the storms, and was closed to visitors for almost a week.

Reports from the city say the majority of the debris on the ground will be removed by early next week and crews will proceed with the removal of damaged trees as needed over the coming weeks.

Assessment of damage to markers continues and the cemetery will contact families of loved ones whose markers were affected by the storm.

How bad were the storms?

Those of us who were tuckered down in our basements last Wednesday night know that the storms that hit Huntsville were pretty bad. But how bad, in technical terms?

The National Weather Service forecast office in Huntsville determined three tornadoes affected the city — including an EF-2 tornado in the Monte Sano community with 122 mph winds, and an EF-1 tornado in Blossomwood with 100 mph winds.

Areas impacted by the tornadoes include:

• Five Points
• Blossomwood
• Old Town
• Maple Hill Cemetery
• Monte Sano community
• Hampton Cove

Downed trees and damage were also reported in the areas of Oakwood Avenue and Pulaski Pike in North Huntsville.

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