In a recent city council meeting, officials provided a detailed account of the significant damage caused by two tornadoes that struck the area in May. The first tornado, which touched down around 3:30 PM, narrowly missed the municipal operations center but resulted in the tragic death of a resident when a tree fell on their vehicle. Fortunately, no city employees were injured during the storms or in the subsequent response efforts.

The tornado left a path of destruction, particularly affecting city facilities and causing the largest power outage since 2003, impacting over 18,000 customer accounts. The city’s electric department, alongside mutual aid from neighboring providers in Rock Hill, Gaffney, and Concord, worked tirelessly to restore power, with some residents experiencing outages for days.

Damage assessments revealed extensive destruction, including downed trees and damaged roofs at various city locations, including the Bradley Center, which remains closed for repairs. The city is currently evaluating the future of the disc golf course, which was heavily impacted, and considering the costs associated with cleanup and restoration.

In response to the storm's aftermath, city officials discussed a proposed budget amendment of $300,000 to cover expenses related to mutual aid and recovery efforts. The council expressed appreciation for the swift response from city staff and the cooperation of neighboring electric departments in restoring services.

Residents have voiced concerns regarding debris cleanup, with many expecting the city to manage the removal without charge. City officials acknowledged the challenges posed by the storms and the backlog in yard waste collection, assuring the public that efforts are underway to address the situation.

The council unanimously approved the budget amendment, emphasizing the importance of continued support for recovery efforts as the city navigates the aftermath of the storms.