Severe weather rolled through the Lee’s Summit area Tuesday afternoon, June 26. The US National Weather Service in Kansas City reported a brief, EF-0 tornado from just east of Lake Jacomo to just south of the dam at Lake Lotawana in Jackson County. 

 

The estimated peak wind was 80 mph, the path length was 3.4 miles, and the max width was 100 yards.

 

 

 

 

Photo at 1 15 by Corey Stark Blackwell & Colbern 

 

 

The Lake Lotawana Water Patrol closed the lake to boating at 4:25 p.m. that afternoon, citing “enough boats and docks damaged and wandering around the lake unattended that it’s just not safe.” Operations crews began working overtime trying to get the lake roads clear of downed trees, power poles and power lines.

Due to storm damage, the Martin property (inside Gate 6) will be open Monday, July 2nd, and Tuesday, July 3rd from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for yard waste disposal. When bringing trees the limbs need to be no larger than 4” in diameter.

Larger pieces of trees can be left outside the trailer lot (south of the dam) and need to be cut in chunks that are about 50 pounds or less, or able to be picked up without a machine.

 

Photo taken at 1:16 pm by Corey Stark Blackwell & Colber.

 

 

 

A Message From Police Chief Wilson June 27
In the wake of the storm and during the cleanup, Lake Lotawana Police Chief Randal Wilson offered this advice for Lotawana residents on Facebook.

Photo Courtesy Joey Hedges

Bad weather damages homes, and it brings out the scammers! After the storm – some roofing repair words-of-caution:

1. After a big storm, door-to-door salesmen for roofing companies, local as well as out-of-state, will probably flood area looking for repair business. For Lake Lotawana residents, these door-to-door peddlers must have a city permit to knock on your door and give you a sales pitch. If you have a question about someone, call City Hall.

2. Check references and ask for licenses and written summaries of their services. Check the Better Business Bureau’s website (http://www.bbb.org) to check for complaints or other information on the company.

3. Get phone numbers and call to make sure the company actually exists.

4. Ask for written contract with all the work details and the agreed-upon price.

5. Be wary of requests for large payments up front.

6. Overall, your best bet is to work with your insurer and make them a part of your repair process.

 

Photo courtesy of Joey Hedges
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