Florissant Storm Update: Tornado Cost $45,000 to City

Florissant City Engineer Tim Barrett, Police Chief Tim Lowery and representatives of the parks and recreation and public works departments updated the public regarding an April 10 storm that ripped through North St. Louis County.

Last week, Mayor Tom Schneider announced a breakdown of the more than 490 structures affected by the EF2 tornado that touched down in Hazelwood and caused damage in the North County area.

Monday's presentation touched on what happened that night as well as estimated costs of rebuilding efforts.

“Trees were responsible for the majority of the worst damage,” Barrett said during the presentation.

Chief Lowery said power outages throughout the city were one of the biggest problems throughout the city that night and the next day.

The storm caused an approximate $45,000 in associated costs; and in terms of hours, city employees worked 760.5 regular hours and 509.25 in overtime. In comparison, the past seven snow storms for this year have cost the city $20,000 per storm for a total of $140,000.

Recently, the St. Louis County Assessor's office has been out to determine which houses were damaged to the point of being uninhabitable, St. Louis County spokeswoman Martina Price said. She said the assessor will also consider making adjustments to homes with heavy damage that are still occupied. 

Previously, Schneider said 23 homes were uninhabitable, 36 had moderate damage and 195 buildings had light damage.

The City Council and mayor applauded the city employees for their efforts during the storm.

Ward 6 Councilman Pat Stinnett said he thought he got up early the next morning to survey the damage of his area but saw the streets had been cleared by the city.

“Our employees were on top of this from the get go,” Mayor Schneider said. “It was very gratifying all of the resources that came to our aid.”

Despite the swift action of city employees and police, Chief Lowery and Mayor Schneider each emphasized one thing – Nixle.

Chief Lowery said a number of residents remained untouched in communication without Nixle, a new communication effort from the Florissant Police Department that provides text messages and emails to residents.

Both encouraged residents to sign up for Nixle in order to receive important information and notifications from the department in case of emergency.

For other stories related to the storm, check out: 

• Florissant Man Found Unconscious Under Highway Bridge in Hazelwood
• State Treasurer Clint Zweifel: "This is a Community in Which Neighbors Help Neighbors"