Wylie prepares for severe weather in midst of hail damage recovery

They city of Wylie is preparing for severe weather Tuesday night as they continue to recover from the destructive hail storms that hit the town a few weeks ago.

All Wylie ISD junior high school soccer games are being postponed Tuesday due to the threat of more severe weather. City leaders are on standby and ready to activate the emergency operations center if the weather takes a turn for the worst.

City Mayor Eric Hogue says the forecast is worrisome since more than 12,000 residents are still trying to recover from the last two hail storms, and frankly, so is the city.

The hail storm on April 11 nearly destroyed the city's public safety complex. Softball-size hail put hundreds of holes in the roof of the building and damaged some 30 police cars. The entire police department had to move out, as well fire administration. But perhaps the biggest concern is the forced relocation of the 911 dispatch center.

“From a safety standpoint, were worried about our 911 dispatch center, which is in a trailer right now,” Hogue said. “At the same time, we’re worried about the citizens and our safety for them.”

Fire Chief Brent Parker says 13 fire fighters will be on duty, but more will be on standby if need be. He says firefighters from three neighboring communities are also ready to assist.

Wylie firefighters normally respond to about a dozen calls a day. During the last hail storm in April, they responded to over 200 calls in two hours.