050119 Press Release - April 30, 2019 Storm Event (May 2019) IOV FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DENTON Sarah Kuechler • (940) 349-8356 • Sarah.Kuechler@cityofdenton.com
April 30, 2019 Denton Storm Event
DENTON, TX, May 1, 2019 — On the evening of Tuesday, April 30, 2019, the City of Denton
was impacted by a severe thunderstorm event that resulted in downed trees and power lines,power
outages, and damages to homes,vehicles, and other structures.No injuries have been reported due
to the storm.
Storm Summary
The peak of the storm event lasted from approximately 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. during which heavy
rains and high wind were reported across much of the city of Denton. Earlier in the day, the
National Weather Service (NWS)issued a Tornado Watch for much of the afternoon and evening.
At approximately 6 p.m., City of Denton Emergency Management staff activated the City's
outdoor warning sirens when the NWS radar indicated the likelihood of tornadic activity. The
activation of the warning sirens coincided with the issuance of a Tornado Warning by the NWS.
Immediately after the Tornado Warning was lifted, City staff began a thorough survey of the storm
damage. There were reports of downed trees across the city, localized flooding in areas, and
pockets of power outages. The northeast area of town (north of University Drive and east of
Sherman Drive) experienced the most damage with reports of downed trees and power lines
blocking roadways, structural damage to homes and vehicles due to downed trees, and minor
structural damage due to wind.
The NWS later confirmed that a brief tornado occurred at around 6:56 p.m. in the northeast area
of town with an estimated path extending from the Texas Woman's University (TWU) campus
northward for approximately one mile. NWS staff will be in Denton beginning May 1 to examine
the storm damage and provide additional information.
Storm Response and Reported Impacts
The following outlines a summary of the storm response and reported impacts.
• The Denton Fire Department responded to 37 calls between 5:45 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. and
quickly maximized all units. One lightning-related structure fire occurred at a home near
the intersection of Lakeview Boulevard and Edwards Road, which was quickly
extinguished. A few water rescue calls from stranded motorists were received.
• The Denton Police Department also quickly maximized all units responding to calls. The
patrol day shift was held over until 10:30 p.m. for a total of 21 officers and four supervisors
responding to calls. Three public safety dispatchers were held over to handle incoming
calls. Traffic was impacted by the storm debris, with police officers providing significant
traffic control assistance, including at the intersection of East University Drive and Frame
Street. All major roads are open to traffic at this time. The Police Department responded to
I I I calls for service between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity•Fiscal Responsibility•Transparency• Outstanding Customer Service
ADA/EOE/ADEA www.cityofdenton.com TDD(800)735-2989
• A total of 19 employees from Streets and Drainage were called in and worked until
midnight to respond to calls of trees blocking roadways and localized temporary flooding
on streets. Only two major traffic signals were impacted by the storm at Londonderry and
Teasley Lane and at Windsor Drive and Longfellow Lane. Both signals are fully
operational at this time and City crews continue to inspect and assess impacts to traffic
signals and signs.
• Denton Municipal Electric(DME)has reported that the storm event caused sixteen outages
which operated nine (9) substation breakers, impacting a total of 3,695 customers, with
2,680 customers experiencing only a momentary outage due to protective relay equipment
automatically closing the circuit to restore power. Crews quickly responded to begin repair
work and clear the roads of any electrical hazards. The most significant impact to the
electrical system occurred near the intersection of East Windsor Drive and Longfellow
Lane, where the storm left multiple electrical poles and a transformer on the ground. This
damage resulted in a loss of power to 1,015 customers beginning at approximately 6:57
p.m. Power was restored to two-thirds of these customers by 8:37 p.m. with the remaining
customers gradually receiving power throughout the night. As of 6:30 a.m. today, all
electric service had been restored. Fourteen electric personnel worked overnight to make
the repairs and safely restore electric service.
• The Denton Natatorium and Water Works Park will be closed for the morning of
Wednesday, May 1, to remove extensive debris and perform equipment maintenance after
a power outage. While aquatic programs are canceled for the entire day, City staff expects
the pools to be open in the afternoon. Denia Recreation Center suffered minor flood
damage due to the storm but will remain open during its normal scheduled hours.
• City parks,notably Avondale and Nette Shultz Parks,experienced downed trees and debris.
Parks and Recreation crews are working to clear the parks and inspect all playground
equipment. All parks will remain open during their normal scheduled hours.
Debris Removal and Clean-Up Efforts
City of Denton crews will be working over the coming days to remove debris from streets and
sidewalks, repair traffic signs and signals, and document the storm damage.
Beginning this afternoon, May 1, through Saturday, May 4, Solid Waste will be picking up tree,
brush, and yard waste and debris generated as a result of the storm curbside daily at no cost for the
impacted area in the northeast area of town. Tree limbs should be cut down to between 4 feet and
8 feet in length, and tree stumps should be broken down. Below is an example of the maximum
size length that Solid Waste trucks, equipment, and personnel will be able to pick up. More
guidance on tree disposal with example photos will be provided through the City's website and
social media today.
2
Residents with any questions are advised to call Customer Service at(940) 349-8700. Residential
customers may also bring yard waste and debris generated as a result of the storm to the landfill,
1527 S Mayhill Road, for disposal at no cost through Saturday, May 4. Beginning next week,
curbside collection can be scheduled with Solid Waste by calling Customer Service at (940) 349-
8700.
If using a commercial tree trimmer, residents are also advised to request an itemized statement of
work and invoice prior to beginning work. These businesses may charge for hauling and disposal,
while these services are provided at no cost by Solid Waste for waste and debris generated as a
result of the storm.
Be Prepared
The likelihood of severe weather increases during the spring and summer months and Denton
residents are encouraged to use caution during severe weather events, including following local
news, National Weather Service reports, and signing up for CodeRED on the City's website.
Residents should have a plan of action in the event a Tornado Warning is issued. Seeking indoor
shelter, avoiding windows, and taking cover in an interior room or basement are critical steps to
increasing one's safety during a severe weather event. After the storm is over, streets may contain
hazards and debris, and the public must use caution if immediate travel cannot be avoided. More
information relating to severe weather safety is available from the National Weather Service at
www.weather.gov.
Contact: Sarah Kuechler, (940) 349-8356, Sarah.Kuechler@cityofdenton.com
Attachments: Photos
Visit www.cityofdenton.com for more news and to stay updated.
3