Heavy Nighttime Storms Leave Damage In Parts Of Wisconsin

Storms swept across southern Wisconsin overnight, leaving resident to contend with damage Monday morning, including downed trees and power lines.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Ben Herzog said tree damage was widespread. He noted that southern Dodge County saw “intense” damage. Meanwhile, in Columbia County, the Columbus area was especially hard-hit and in Sheboygan County, flooding damage was an issue. Power outages were also a factor. At one point, more than 35,000 WE Energies customers were without power.

According to a statement on the city of Columbus’ website, as of Monday afternoon, many customers in the city remained without power and it may be sometime Tuesday before power is back on. In addition, many city streets are still blocked by trees and tree limbs. The city asked that residents stay off streets until they are removed.

The American Red Cross has set up a temporary aid station at the Columbus Middle School for those needing relief from the heat, or those who can’t stay in their damaged homes.

According to the Associated Press, winds were strong enough to bend the flagpole outside of Columbus High School and collapsed the roof of a pole barn between the city and Beaver Dam.