May 21, 2025

Storms Cause Damage to Bowling Green Cemeteries

News Summary

Bowling Green, Kentucky, faced disruptions last weekend due to severe storms that damaged three local cemeteries. Cleanup operations began promptly, with city officials noting the overall destruction was less severe than in past years. Multiple agencies have been mobilized for recovery efforts, while the state contends with broader storm impacts, including fatalities in Kentucky. Residents are advised to adhere to safety measures during the cleanup process.

Bowling Green, Kentucky experienced significant disruption last weekend as storms swept through the area, causing damage to three local cemeteries. While there were incidents of downed tree lines and a notable event in which a tree fell on a light pole downtown, officials reported that the level of destruction was not as severe compared to previous years.

The Cemetery Division Manager for the City, Cathy Maroney, confirmed that cleanup operations began early Saturday morning and are ongoing. At Pioneer Cemetery, a tree fell onto a lamp post, while a large tree was reported down at Fairview Cemetery. Cleanup efforts involve staff from the Cemetery Division, as well as additional support from the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department.

Workers from the parks maintenance and landscape divisions have been deployed to assist with removing limbs and debris, while cemetery staff also managed burial services scheduled for that same day amid the cleanup. Mount Moriah Cemetery, on the other hand, primarily dealt with downed limbs but had no major structural issues. Staff at this location remain vigilant for any further complications arising from the storm.

Broader Storm Impact

The severe weather is part of a larger system that affected multiple states across the Midwest and the South, resulting in injuries and fatalities. In Kentucky alone, 18 fatalities and 10 hospitalizations were reported due to the storms, with Laurel County being identified as one of the most severely impacted regions.

In response to the storm’s effects, an emergency shelter has been set up to assist displaced residents, and local communities have seen an influx of donations for those in need. Bowling Green specifically faced widespread power outages, with approximately 7,200 customers affected by outages reported by the Bowling Green Municipal Utilities. The city has been working diligently to restore power.

Community Assistance and Safety Measures

The Public Works department has been active in clearing downed trees from roadways, filling eight dumpsters with vegetative debris as they work to ensure the safety and accessibility of the area. Additionally, a light pole on Cemetery Road was reported damaged, and large hail caused significant property damage, impacting buildings and vehicles, including Fire Station 8 and a police cruiser.

Due to safety concerns regarding downed trees, Mount Moriah Cemetery was closed to the public for the weekend. Furthermore, damage sustained by Graves Gilbert’s Main Clinic may also affect patient appointments in the upcoming week as the facility assesses its operational capabilities.

The city has issued a warning advising the public to stay clear of cemeteries as sanitation crews continue to work on debris cleanup, a process that is anticipated to take several weeks. As cleanup efforts proceed, residents are urged to exercise caution due to the ongoing use of heavy equipment in the affected areas.

As the situation develops, there are ongoing discussions regarding the staffing levels at the National Weather Service, which may affect disaster response capabilities and the issuance of storm warnings in future weather events. City officials are working closely with agencies to address these concerns as they strive for community safety and resilience in the wake of the storms.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

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