Somers Park damage (Center Township Trustee’s Office)

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A strong thunderstorm that brought the risk of tornadoes to Kokomo and Howard County on June 11 resulted in a lot of damage from fallen trees, but no twisters and no casualties.

More than a dozen homes in the community were struck by trees toppled by high winds, and several streets across the city were made impassable by trees and fallen power lines. As a result, city crews, law enforcement and emergency personnel, utility workers, and volunteers with Howard County’s Emergency Management Agency toiled through the night to protect citizens and clear roadways for travel.

This morning, the City of Kokomo reported road closures along Main Street between Vaile Avenue and King Street, Superior Street between Indiana Avenue and McCann Street, and Park Avenue between Webster Street and Courtland Avenue due to continuing efforts to remove fallen trees from the roadways.

Additionally, activities in Foster Park and Somers Park have been cancelled or suspended due to storm damage. In the case of Somers Park, the Center Township Trustee’s office reported that a tree fell on a portion of the new playground equipment installed last year.

West Superior Street near Foster Park (EMA Facebook, submitted by local resident)

Howard County EMA requested residents report locations of storm damage overnight and received dozens of reports from Kokomo’s far west side to Oakford and even Greentown, as the storm proved relentless in its ability to cause damage. Those reports were instrumental in connecting work crews with blocked roadways and alleys.

Property on McCann Street (EMA Facebook, submitted by local resident)

While not connected to the storms, the City of Kokomo has announced that Zartman Road will be closed on June 16 for Harvey Construction to install a new waterline across the road. This closure is expected to last one day, weather permitting. Motorists are encouraged to use South Berkley Road as a detour and should allow extra travel time when traveling in the area.