Attention is turning to cleanup and recovery after devastating windstorms swiftly moved through the region last night (Wednesday). Storm damage in the area varied, ranging from a few downed limbs to severe building damage. Damage in Carroll County was limited but some areas saw significant damage, particularly between Glidden and the Carroll Municipal Airport. Pat Tigges of Tigges Overhead Doors says he and his crew were working on a project in that region when the storm arrived.
After the immediate danger passed, Tigges returned to his home just a few miles away. A barn, corn crib and machine shed were completely demolished or severely damaged with at least two other properties in the path of the storm towards Glidden reporting similar damage. The storm worsened as it moved into Greene County. Sheriff, Jack Williams says there is a two- to three-mile swath of damage from the southwest to northeast corners of the county from a tornado.
To the south in Guthrie County, Sheriff Marty Arganbright, says the damage was more widespread.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported in our region, and the focus is now on recovery for the worst-hit areas. In Greene County, shelters are available at Wild Rose Casino in Jefferson, the former school building in Scranton and the Shriver Building in Paton for residents without power or heat. Tigges says rural Iowans are known for their commitment to their neighbors in times of need, and the aftermath of this storm is no different.
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a disaster proclamation Thursday morning for 43 counties impacted by the storm, including Audubon, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Greene, Guthrie, Sac and Shelby Counties. This opens grant opportunities of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level to assist with property repair, replacement of clothing or food and temporary housing expenses. It also activates the Disaster Case Management Program to address disaster-related hardships. Details on these programs and how to apply can be found included below.
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THE IOWA INDIVIDUAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM (IIAGP)
Click HERE for info on Disaster Case Management Program
