Fast-moving storm leaves behind damage
Published 7:32 pm Thursday, June 29, 2023
The curtain on the new water tower was destroyed during a storm Thursday evening off of Newton Avenue. During the storm, the nearby transformer also blew, leading to a power outage for a portion of the downtown. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
The broken curtain sits at the base of the water tower Thursday afternoon after the storm. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
Workers painting the new downtown water tower hang from the scaffolding as the wind begins to increase Thursday evening. Photo courtesy Mary Thompson
Workers painting the new downtown water tower hang from the scaffolding as the wind begins to increase Thursday evening. Photo courtesy Mary Thompson
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A storm moving through the area brought with it heavy winds and rain Thursday evening that left behind damage in Albert Lea.
The curtain used by the contractors painting the new downtown water tower was torn into pieces, and a nearby transformer blew. No workers were injured.
Initial reports also indicated there was a tree that had fallen into a house on Minnie Maddern Street.
The city of Albert Lea and painting company BRZ Coatings are assessing the impact of storm damage to the containment curtain, but due to the damage to the curtain – which spans 50,000 square feet – finishing the exterior paint will be delayed. On the interior, the painting is complete. Next steps will be disinfecting the bowl and installing a control room in the base, which will occur when the exterior paint is done.
