City officials see damage similar to 2018 tornado
Mayor Joel Greer said the Monday storm damage was similar to the 2018 tornado.
“The wind speed was not as high but the path was so wide the whole town compared to Main Street,” Greer said. “Way more property damage.”
An estimated amount of damage will be hard to determine in the coming days.
“There’s too much ground to cover any ballpark figures,” Greer said.
The power outages were so widespread officials are telling residents it will be an extended period before power is restored.
City Administrator Jessica Kinser said street crews were out until 8 p.m. Monday cleaning the debris from roads. However, it will take a while.
“We are going to come in every day and see how far we get,” she said.
Kinser said the storm was similar to the tornado, but this time every neighborhood was affected.
Some areas of town not only had downed trees and power lines and damaged roofs but also flooding. Kinser said a few sewers got clogged which resulted in the flooding.
City offices are closed due to the loss of power. Kinser said if residents have water emergencies, they can call 641-753-3997.
She also urged people to take trees to the curb.
“Tomorrow is going to be a big day of planning,” Kinser said. “Hopefully we can work toward a disaster declaration.”
Greer has called a special city council meeting at noon on Wednesday.
“Take heart that we have been through this before and we know to rely on our neighbors,” Greer said. “We will get through this.”