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Irondale officials praise rapid storm response as residents warn of night driving hazards
Summary
Following severe storms on June 27, Irondale City leaders praised public works and first responders for cleanup and infrastructure repairs while public commenters urged caution on dark roads and slower driving after a power-pole crash.
Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. said in a letter read at the Irondale City Council meeting that “Friday storms on June 27 tested our community, but I'm proud to report that our city's response was outstanding.” The letter named public works and water-department employees for their work restoring streets and clearing debris.
The comment came during a council meeting where several members and residents described extensive storm damage and a large cleanup effort. Councilman Aaron Sims summarized the municipal response, saying it was “literally an all hands on deck” effort as police, fire, water and public works crews worked through the night to clear trees and damaged lines.
Why it matters: Council members credited in-house city crews with fast removal of storm debris and restoration of services, a factor residents said limited damage to homes. At the same time, citizens urged caution on dark streets after outages and road hazards that followed the storms.
Council members repeatedly thanked public works and first responders for what they called a prompt, coordinated effort. The mayor’s letter singled out station employees by name for “exceptional service” and noted coordination with outside partners on debris disposal.
During public comment, resident Judy Wilson described an incident on Belmont Road where a driver struck a power pole. Wilson said emergency responders had to wait until utility crews secured the scene and that power was not restored until about 2:00 a.m. She urged drivers to “slow down and obey the speed limit” and to be cautious around crews working in dark conditions.
Council members acknowledged the safety concern Wilson raised and emphasized continuing cleanup work; several council members said they had seen crews clearing large, mature trees that had fallen and ripping up water lines in places. No formal new policy or ordinance was proposed at the meeting; council members limited actions to public thanks and scheduling follow-up items for other agenda matters.
The council also approved routine consent items related to storm recovery work during the meeting’s consent vote. The meeting record shows continuing cleanup remains under way and that crews will continue to address remaining debris and infrastructure repairs.
