Storm topples trees, causes damage
Hartselle Utilities Electric Department and Hartselle Public Works personnel join forces to remove a tree and repair power lines on Barkley Street early Thursday morning. | Clif Knight
A sudden thunderstorm accompanied by strong wind gusts and heavy rain toppled trees in at least three sections of the city and caused scattered power outages and property damage shortly after midnight Wednesday.
Hartselle Utilities electric department personnel were called out at about 2:30 a.m. to repair power lines that were knocked down by falling trees and tree limbs at Barkley and Day Streets and Chickasaw Street, according to HU General Manager Ferrell Vest. Another outage occurred in the central business district and linemen were searching for the cause at 8:30 a.m.
Vest said he expected the electric system to be fully restored by noon.
The main cloudburst was followed by recurring lightning thunder, and heavy rain throughout the night. Vest said a gage at the wastewater treatment plant showed two inches of rain fell overnight.
The home of Clif and Geanell Knight at 301 Bethel Road sustained roof damage when part of a 100-year-old oak tree fell and landed on top of the house.
