I was only half-way paying attention to the TV weatherman about an hour before a storm front was to reach Collinsville Thursday evening as he didn't seem too excited. But things did get exciting in Collinsville about 7:15pm June 30th. Winds perhaps as high as 70 miles an hour roared through Collinsville along with a heavy sideways rain leaving limbs, whole trees, power lines and pole, and signs damaged in the wake.

There were apparently no injuries but nearly everyone lost power for several hours and a few were still without early the next day on Friday. I didn't venture very far myself but have included a random sample of my own and Facebook photos here. Based on what I heard it was a Collinsville-only event. It was powerful but brief and about an hour later things were settled enough for folks to start gathering at the City Plaza for the final free Chamber outdoor movie. What would likely have been an overflow crowd without the storm, was instead a small crowd on what turned out to be a cool and calm evening. Downtown power was restored (if it went out?) except the street lights by about 8pm. -- Ted Wright