Storm downs trees, creates power outages

By Mark Johnson

Mark Johnson/Raytown Tribune
Homes weren’t the only property damaged during the storms Friday, May 2, as cars, including this one that was parked just west of Sterling, also felt the brunt of downed trees.

The storm that swept through Raytown during the early morning hours of Friday, May 2, downed trees and power lines, creating outages as well as property loss.

Fences were also twisted by the high winds.

The damage appeared to be heaviest on the north side of the city where large trees were uprooted and several homes were extensively damaged by fallen limbs.

Two schools, Blue Ridge Elementary and Westridge Elementary, were closed for the day as they were left without electricity.

Staying busy throughout the storm were emergency personnel.

“We were busy running calls all night long,” Fire Chief Rick Mawhirter said.

When not running calls, firefighters were dealing with the loss of communications and damages to the

trailers they are currently housed in.

Interim Raytown Public Works Director David Frazier said four employees were called in shortly after the storm to assist with street clearing efforts and setting up barricades.

“They stayed on until the day crew came in at 7 a.m.,” he said.

When day did come, chain saws could soon be heard as residents started the recovery process, which included cutting tree branches into manageable sizes and clearing sidewalks and driveways.

Other residents took to their roofs to check for possible signs of damage.

The city then announced a plan to assist with the recovery effort, as residents needing to dispose of brush from the storm will be

able to obtain vouchers to take it to the Kansas City Brush Drop-off Site, which is at Interstate 470 and Raytown Road.

To obtain vouchers, residents need to call 737-6012 and leave their name, number and address.

A Neighborhood Services employee will then contact the resident to determine the extent of the storm

damage and the number of vouchers that will be needed, according to a city press release.

The deadline to apply for vouchers is 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 21.

Raytown Editor Mark Johnson can be reached at 358-6397 or mjohnson@npgco.com.