The City of Florence experienced significant impacts from severe storms and strong winds that moved through the area overnight Wednesday, causing widespread power outages, downed trees and power lines, damaged utility infrastructure, and property damage across the community.
Strong winds caused damage in multiple areas of the city. Several neighborhoods and businesses remain without power. Utility poles were broken along Industrial Road, and the Boone County Public Safety Communications Center (PSCC) and Boone Center also experienced power and telephone outages later in the storm event.
Several businesses sustained storm related damage. Big Red’s Appliances experienced damage to portions of its signage and roofing, while sections of the outdoor lumber area at Menards were displaced by the winds, with debris coming to rest near Dave & Buster’s. Rally’s also sustained damage to its sign.
The city’s water tower temporarily lost power, causing water to discharge through a relief valve as designed. Water observed discharging from the tower is a normal and expected response under these circumstances and indicates the system is functioning as designed to prevent damages. Adjustments were made to pump water around the tower and there is no impact to water service or supply for customers.
Storm damage was reported throughout Florence, with trees and power lines down across numerous streets, including Dream Street, Lee Drive, Preakness Drive, Circle Drive, Locust Street, Melinda Lane, and St. Jude Drive, among others. Multiple traffic signals were also knocked out of service, while emergency crews worked throughout the night responding to calls for service and resetting numerous fire alarms.
Additional damage assessments are continuing, and city officials anticipate more reports as yesterday’s daylight allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of the storm’s impact.
The 911 service in Boone County was down briefly due to a malfunction of a backup generator, but it was prompty restored.
The City of Florence encourages residents to:
• Stay away from downed power lines and assume all lines are energized.
• Treat intersections with non-functioning traffic signals as four-way stops.
• Use caution when driving, as debris and hazardous conditions may still exist.
• Avoid areas where emergency crews and utility workers are actively working.
• Report power outages directly to their utility provider.
City of Florence