Severe weather damages homes, knocks power out in Charles City
Dylan Deford fixes the mechanisms inside the railroad crossing at the corner of North Grand and 13th avenues during a power outage in Charles City Wednesday. Most of Charles City west of Main Street lost power during the storm and several stop lights were left blinking red. Press photo by Thomas Nelson
The greenhouse outside of Ace Hardware in Charles City was stripped of its covering during the storm. Press photo by Thomas Nelson
An electric pole bent from the weight of trees and another downed line nearby on Blunt Street. Press photo by Thomas Nelson
An electrical pole lies on the ground after a storm came through Charles City Wednesday evening . Residents were without power nearby on the corner of Blunt and Joslin streets. Press photo by Thomas Nelson.
A tree that was knocked down by a thunderstorm and possible 70 mph winds that hit Charles City near Blunt Street and Iowa Street. Press photo by Thomas Nelson.
The scene on Kelly Street after a storm ravaged Charles City. Press photo by Thomas Nelson.
Linn Wolf, a Charles City street worker, moves a tree knocked down during a storm that hit Wednesday night. Press photo by Thomas Nelson
Street workers respond to a tree down on Ferguson Street near the Charles Theater. Press photo by Thomas Nelson
Houses on 4th Avenue suffered roof and tree damage after severe wind and rain tore through Charles City. Press photo by Kate Hayden
Thomas Nelson, tnelson@charlescitypress.com
A major thunderstorm knocked off power and trees throughout Charles City Wednesday.
Severe storms had already brought considerable damage to Charles City by 7 p.m., but the worst winds have seemingly moved on, the National Weather Service reported.
A downed tree on 4th Avenue, across from Lincoln Elementary School, blocked the road to through traffic, and at least one house on the road suffered roof damage. A tree pulled out of the ground leaned on the house next door.
Parts of Charles City and Nashua had sporadically lost power, briefly interrupting the Charles City High School’s Class Day and Baccalaureate services at the North Grand Auditorium.
The storm had wind speeds estimated to be up to 70 mph. The power was off on the west side of Main Street for much of the evening, while MidAmerican worked into the night.
There were several downed power lines — on South Main Street, the Corner of Blunt and Joslin streets and on roads leading to Rockford.
During the blackout the city asked that residents in Maple Heights and west of Chautauqua lift station, by Otto’s Oasis, limit their sewer usage until the power is restored in the area.
“Two lift stations are without power and we are rotating a backup portable generator between the two currently,” said Charles City Administrator Steven Diers in a message to the Press.
Almost immediately after the storm, emergency services and road crews were out assessing and repairing the damage.
The railroad crossing on the corner of North Grand and 13th avenues malfunctioned.
“I believe the wind broke the sheer pin on the gate,” said Dylan Deford, with Canadian Pacific Railway.
Deford was repairing the crossing, putting the gate up and down when cars weren’t driving by.
Kevin Marvin and Linn Wolff were using a bulldozer to move a downed tree on Ferguson Street near Main Avenue.
Trees and branches were reported down all over town, Marvin said.
After finishing with the tree, Marvin expected to go to the west side of town to continue to move downed branches and trees.
Several residents were watching from their doors when the storm hit.
“It’s the biggest winds I’ve ever seen come through,” said Barb Schwarz, on Ferguson Street.
Schwarz estimates the winds were around 70 mph and said she was without power along with several other residents near her.
Near Schwarz’s house were several downed telephone and cables lines.
“Our house is without utilities,” said Lucille Melenke. “We’re fortunate, very fortunate.”
Melenke’s home was also without power.
“We’re watching as people come and go,” she said.
No injuries from the storm had been reported as of Wednesday evening.
Kate Hayden contributed to this story.
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