Strong winds early Sunday night caused issues in both Centralia and Central City. While most of the area escaped rain, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southern Fayette and northern Marion County as a result of winds up to 60 miles per hour and hail.
Centralia City Firemen say wind gusts blew embers out of a barbeque grill that were believed to be out onto the rear porch of the Allen Simmons home in the 400 block of Sunset Drive setting it on fire. A neighbor noticed the blaze. Firemen were able to put out the fire before it could spread to the adjoining home. Damage is estimated at about $500.
The Centralia Fire Protection District and Central City Police were called to the 1100 block of North Poplar when a light pole and attached electrical wire fell across the roadway. Fire personnel stood by until Ameren arrived and also assisted with rerouting traffic until a Centralia ESDA crew arrived. The incident occurred about six Sunday night with the road blocked about an hour and a half.
The Salem Water Plant recorded a new record high of 90 degrees on Sunday, breaking the old record of 80 set back in 1994.
