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Weathering the Storm: Crews Clean Up Storm Damage on Campus

Ground crews pull an all-nighter to clear storm debris

Crews are working diligently around the 91ֿ Kent Campus to clean up debris left by a severe thunderstorm that blew through much of northeast Ohio and into northwest Pennsylvania.

Tornado warnings were issued to 14 Northeast Ohio counties, including Portage County, Thursday, Aug. 24, into early Friday morning. The reported that one gust of wind topped 80 mph near Kent during the storm. 

Student walking through tree debris left by the storm on front campus

“We have been in clearing roadways and walks since around 1:30 a.m.," Rebekkah Berryhill, grounds manager, said. "We are asking the university community to stay away from any downed trees and be more observant than usual for potential hanging branches. We will be cleaning up hangers and brush for the next week.” 

Crew cutting down tree branches in front of Prentice Hall

The storm caused damage to multiple parts of 91ֿ’s campus, impacting the May 4 Memorial, Hilltop Drive and the Peatland Bog behind DeWeese Health Center the most. The campus also lost more than 35 trees ranging in size, according to Berryhill.  

“The grounds department will continue to push through this event with the help of all our campus partners,” Berryhill said.  

Crew cutting down tree branches in front of Prentice Hall
POSTED: Friday, August 25, 2023 01:55 PM
Updated: Friday, August 25, 2023 02:52 PM
WRITTEN BY:
Tanner Poe, Flash Communications