UPDATED: Faulty Sirens? No, The Storm Was Too Quick

Sheriff's Office spokeswoman says sirens are intended for people outside and residents inside should be 'weather aware.'

The debris from the May 22 tornado that hit Golden Valley may be long gone. But for many residents, the question still remains—why weren't they warned? Quite simply, "the storm occurred too quickly," said Golden Valley Fire Chief Mark Kuhnly. Officials with the Hennepin County Sheriff's Department activated sirens within 45 seconds of receiving a National Weather Service warning, according to reports. Unfortunately for some, it wasn't enough time to take cover. And for Tyrol Crest resident Thomas Brokl, it was three to five minutes too late.  "I was watching television in a room that had windows all over the place. If the storm had been any stronger, I would have been dodging glass," he said. Yet while Brokl expressed disappointment the …

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Two Months Later, Tornado Cleanup Almost Done

Residents wrap up home repairs; city to replace playground

It has been more than two months since a tornado ripped through Golden Valley and other parts of the metro, and cleanup efforts are almost complete. Danette Scorza lives near Theodore Wirth Park on the border of Golden Valley and Minneapolis—one of the areas hardest hit by the May 22 storm. When the tornado sirens went off, Scorza said she ignored them until the last minute before taking shelter in her basement. Now, she said, hail damage is the only lingering mark in the neighborhood. Crews were hard at work this week repairing rooftops and siding. Scorza said the park took the brunt of the tornado damage. Crews quickly removed much of the debris soon after the storm. Jeannine Clancy, Golden Valley’s public works director, said the city …

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LeRoy Scott Trandem

10:17 am on Wednesday, July 27, 2011

I have not walked there lately either but T. Wirth proper is owned by and maintained by the City of Mpls.   more ›

Government Approves Disaster Loans For Hennepin County

Residents and businesses affected by the May 22 tornado now can apply for low-interest help.

The May 22 tornado damaged many homes and business in the metro area, including in Golden Valley. Now people and businesses that were affected can apply for low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration. On July 1, Gov. Mark Dayton requested the assistance. Karen G. Mills, SBA administrator, announced today that the loans will be available. “Loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta. “Businesses and nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million …

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A Roundup of Our Tornado Coverage

As we continue to report on the effects of the tornado that hit May 22, here is what we've covered so far.

Golden Valley Patch continues to monitor the aftermath of last month's tornado. Here is a list of the stories we've produced so far. The most recent item is at the top. (Photos) Tornado Update: Theodore Wirth Park Before and After The May 22nd Tornado: One Month Later Tornado Cleanup Quick, Efficient, but not Complete  Tornado Damage in Golden Valley Cleaned Up Help Tornado Victims by Rebuilding the Town Red Tornado Damages Historic Theo Wirth Oak, Future Uncertain Animal Relief Efforts Underway After Tornado (Video) How Do I Clean Up After a Tornado? Roundup: Tornado Coverage Across Patch (MAP) Report Details Tornado's Track Across Minneapolis, Suburbs Congressman Ellison Tours Tornado Damage in Golden Valley, North Minneapolis Salvation…

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Editor's Notebook

The May 22nd Tornado: One Month Later

Stories of looting have become stories of neighbors helping neighbors.

One month ago today, my husband and I were in the car, listening to the radio.  The meteorologist was talking about a severe weather watch and the funnel cloud in Maple Grove the night before.  There was a little light rain as we headed north on highway 100, but we had no idea that just minutes after we drove past the Tyrol Hills neigbhorhood, a tornado would hit. I was about 33 weeks pregnant, and we were just getting back from a brief hospital visit that Sunday afternoon when it seemed the skies just opened up and dumped buckets of rain on us as we ran for the front door of our house.  We live right on the border of Golden Valley and Minneapolis next to Theodore Wirth Park, and as Nate fumbled with the keys to the door, I remember saying…

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