Report #3 5-17-2017
Governor Scott Walker declared a State of Emergency for Barron, Jackson, and Rusk counties following severe storms producing heavy rain, damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes. Governor Walker and other state officials met with victims and local officials and assess tornado damage this afternoon. Damage assessment and recovery efforts continue in the affected areas. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) will conduct agriculture damage assessments in Barron and Rusk Counties over the next few days.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has tentatively determined that the tornado what struck Barron County was an EF-2 (120mph to 130mph). They believe the tornado traveled from Chetek to Conrath (more than 30 miles). Crews will continue assessing the strength of the tornado in other impacted areas tomorrow. In addition, tornado watches and warnings, flood watches and warnings are in effect tonight. The NWS says additional severe weather with heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and tornadoes are possible across much of the state this evening.
Barron County: County officials have declared a State of Emergency. Emergency officials report 38 mobile homes at the Prairie Lake Estate Mobile Park were destroyed, eight sustained major damage and three have minor damage. More than 200 first responders have been on the scene assisting in the last 24 hours. The Salvation Army set up feeding operations to support residents. The Red Cross also has a shelter open at Mosaic Telecom. Approximately 50 people used that shelter for assistance today. The local ministerial association is providing emotional and spiritual support and a financial relief fund has been set up at Mosaic Telecom to help the storm survivors. Barron County will open a volunteer reception center on Friday at 8am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Cameron to help cleanup efforts at the mobile park. All volunteers must register at that time. Department of Natural Resources crews are helping clear debris from roads and driveways. Approximately 75% of the poultry from the severely damaged utrkey farm have been saved and moved to another facility.
Rusk County: Rusk County officials have declared a State of Emergency. Crews are conducting damage assessments in the Bruce area. Pioneer Bank in Ladysmith and Ladysmith Federal have set up funds for county residents impacted by the tornado.
Buffalo County: Officials report minor road washouts. County Road B is down to one lane due to high water. Sand Road in the Town of Gilmanton is closed due to a culvert washout.
Jackson County: Jackson County officials have issued a State of Emergency due to flooding. Crews are removing trees blocking local highways and roads. Numerous roads are closed and/or damaged due to flood waters. Portions of State Highway 121 between Northfield and the county line are impassable due to water being over the road.
Trempealeau County: This evening, officials report storm damage in the Town of Gail with two barns down and tree damage. The Village of Pigeon Falls and City of Independence are experiencing flooding. Sandbagging efforts are underway at Independence.
Last Update: May 18, 2017 7:44 am CDT
