NEWS
Tornado recovery goes slow; community reflects on rebuilding one year later
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Devastating, heartbreaking, shocking are just a few of the words used by Bowie residents to describe the aftermath of the May 22, 2020 tornado.
At 8:29 p.m. as storm sirens blared across the city an EF-1 tornado ripped a path of destruction across Bowie. It arrived in the midst of heavy rain, straight-line winds and hail.
Funnel clouds were reported all around the area from Bellevue to Jack County. Blue lightning filled the skies followed by an eerie quiet and the sound of a freight train, many now know was the tornado.
The National Weather Service said the tornado had winds up to 95 mph and straight-line winds were tracked at 70-85 mph during the storm.
It appeared the tornado took a path along West Wise Street and traveled into downtown before swinging to the south side pulling the roof from the school administration building, turning numerous mobile homes into kindling or moving it across the street, taking down blocks of power poles and ripping off roofs.
Initially, there were 400 to 500 power poles impacted, about 50 businesses were damaged and more than 200 residents had different levels of damage. As the area was surveyed in the following weeks the numbers rose with 570 total properties affected, 468 residences and 102 businesses.
Read the full feature in the weekend Bowie News.
City of Bowie water distribution crew members were making repairs on this four-inch line in the 400 block of Decatur Street, east of FM 1125 Wednesday afternoon. (News photo by Barbara Green)
A BOIL WATER NOTICE has been issued for the 400 block of Decatur Street. Use boiled/bottled water for drinking & cooking.
WATER STOPS – The 400 block of Decatur will be shut off between Mill and FM 1125 due to a major water leak reports the City of Bowie. Repairs are in progress.
The City of Bowie swimming pool season opened Monday with free splash day with 266 jumping into the pool. Summer also launched its season with hot and humid temperatures.
Summer Rec begins June 9
The City of Bowie’s popular free summer recreation program for children kindergarten through age 15 is set for 8:30 a.m. to noon on June 8 and continues through July 3.
Permission slips must be filled out the first day. There will be many activities to enjoy such as softball, dodgeball, kickball, flag football, soccer, tennis, basketball, jump rope, relay races, circle games, arts and crafts, music and swimming. The community center gym also will be used. Youngsters should not just come for swimming.
Children should wear tennis shoes only. Drop children at the pavilion behind the pool at 8:30 a.m. and pick them up at noon each day. Once a child arrives he/she is not allowed to go to the store home without prior permission. A child should bring something in which to keep money or personal items. There is a concession stand with drinks and snacks to purchase.
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