Deadly storms struck Southeast Missouri on this day in 1974. Two twisters have relatively little impact and heavy rains lead to the drowning of a young child.
100 years ago
May 22, 1924
• All area Civil War veterans are invited to attend Decoration Day (a.k.a. Memorial Day) festivities in Poplar Bluff on May 30.
• Today, the city of Poplar Bluff began painting fire hydrants yellow, allowing firefighters to see them more easily at night.
“This plan is adopted by all progressive cities,” The Interstate American noted.
75 years ago
May 22, 1949 — No issues available.
50 years ago
May 22, 1974
• Severe storms spawned at least two twisters in Southeast Missouri, but damage was limited and no injuries were reported.
One “apparent tornado” hit a Charleston truck stop, a semi trailer and a mobile home. The home was destroyed and the truck stop moderately damaged, while the trailer was only flipped.
Another funnel cloud was sighed near Bernie, but the Bernie Police Department reported no damage.
Flash flood warnings were issued for six counties this morning, including Butler. Poplar Bluff reported an inch and a half of rainfall by noon.
• Heavy rains from Southeast Missouri’s latest storms lead to tragedy in Dexter — the drowning of a young child. Four-year-old John Peacock was swept away by fast-flowing water in a deep ditch yesterday while playing outside with his brothers. His body was recovered four blocks away.