WI Emergency Operations Center-Situation Report - Storm Damage & Heat

DATE:  July 3, 2012   2:00 p.m. 

Clean up continues today following severe storms that moved through the northern portions of Wisconsin overnight. Strong winds, hail, and heavy rain were reported.   Several utilities are reporting about 10,000 customers are without power this afternoon in northern Wisconsin due to downed power lines but most power should be fully restored later today. There were no injuries reported.

Hot temperatures and high humidity will persist across much of Wisconsin through the week. Currently, the National Weather Service has issued Heat Warnings for West Central counties and Heat Advisories for most of the counties thru Friday.

Here is the storm information reported:

Forest County: County officials report scattered tree and power line damage throughout the county. The Town of Freedom appears to be the hardest hit. Efforts are underway to remove debris and restore power.

Winnebago County: Winnebago County Emergency Management reports that a strong storm hit most of the county last night causing downed trees, hail and some flash flooding. Hail ranging in size from dime to quarter size, and even golf ball sized hail were reported throughout the Clayton/Winchester area, Oshkosh, Town of Algoma and southern areas of the county.  In addition, the National Weather Service estimated wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph in those same areas.  With the Highway 41 construction in progress - many signs, barrels and even a crane tipped over from the winds.   Business signs along the Hwy 41 corridor also sustained some damages.  Minor street flooding was also reported in the Oshkosh area.  Four homes are suspected of being struck by lightning.

Barron County: Power outages were reported in Chetek. The Knapp Haven Nursing Home and Barron County's radio tower are both on generator power.  Full power is expected later this afternoon.  Town of Clinton had shoulder washouts, but crews were repairing them this morning.

Bayfield County: Bayfield County had trees and power lines down in many of the towns in the southern half of the county, specifically Barnes, Cable, Drummond, Grand View, Hughes and Iron River. Most utilities should be restored later today.

Iron County: Initial reports of scattered power outages throughout the county. Officials report downed trees on power lines, roads and a tree on a garage in Hurley. Their south tower is currently on backup power. All major road have been cleared some secondary roads will be cleared later today.

Other Storm Damage:  Ashland, Sawyer, Polk and Oneida counties reported minor storm damage and scattered power outages. No damage reports from Burnett, Rusk and Washburn counties.

Here is the weather information:

Heat Warnings: The National Weather Service has issued Heat Warnings for 33 counties in west central and southern Wisconsin and a Heat Advisory for 24 counties in the state until Thursday at 10:00 p.m. Yesterday, Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued a Public Health Advisory due to the heat. Many communities have opened up cooling shelters where people can go to seek relief if they don't have air conditioning. A list of those cooling center is located at http://ready.wi.gov/.  This list will be updated daily.   Information is also available by contacting 2-1-1 Wisconsin. Simply call 2-1-1 or go to http://www.211wisconsin.org/centers.html for assistance.

Other heat-related information:   Wisconsin Department of Transportation reports that all lanes on U.S. 51 near Tomahawk are now open. This morning, the left lane closed due to road buckling. Motorists are advised to check their routes ahead of time for road construction and other possible delays by calling 511 or go to www.511wi.gov.

Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has provided information for farmers and pet owners to help keep animals safe during this heat wave.   In addition, emergency burning restrictions remain in effect by the Department of Natural Resources. Information is available at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ForestFire/restrictions.asp

Wisconsin Emergency Management remains engaged with local officials and state agencies in monitoring the heat wave and storm damage. The State Emergency Operations Center currently remains at Level 4, monitoring events. While there have been no requests for state assistance, Wisconsin Emergency Management stands ready to help.