(Le Mars) — Strong winds swept through Le Mars last evening leaving in its path
downed power lines and trees that were toppled throughout the central portion of
the town. There was so much destruction, and so many trees that were down that
city officials declared a state of emergency for the city of Le Mars. Le Mars
Police reported “nearly every street” had trees in the street. After the storm
passed through Le Mars, Mid-American Energy indicated 1683 homes and businesses
were without power. At KLEM offices, 2.9 inches of rain fell within an hour, causing street flooding. The total amount of rain received at KLEM offices was measured at 3.2 inches. The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department responded to multiple calls during the time of the storm, most of which were reports of downed power lines. City officials gathered at the Le Mars Fire Station last evening and devised a plan to try to clear as many of the city streets as possible before daybreak in hopes to still hold Ice Cream Days celebration. Every city department was contacted and requested the employees report to the fire station. The city also contacted private contractors with pay-loader tractors to help clear the streets. City crews used chain saws through the night hours to cut up the trees.
City Officials Declare State Of Emergency And Discuss A Plan To Clean The Debris And Clear The Streets.
Some of the major damage reported included a tree that was uprooted from the lawn
of the Plymouth County Historical Museum. Another tree fell on the tent that was
to be used for the Art in the Park at Foster Park. A large tree measuring at least
six feet in diameter and that stood more than 50 feet high came tumbling down.
That tree stood on the corner of 2nd Street Southeast and 3rd Avenue Southeast on
the lawn of the Plymouth County Courthouse. A small metal utility shed was blown
from its foundation and ended in the middle of 12th Street Southeast near 4th
Avenue Southeast. That same location had a large utility pole snapped and power
lines were down. Mid-American Energy crews worked through the night trying to
restore power not only to Le Mars residents, but throughout the entire northwest
Iowa. The Le Mars police communications radio tower that stood on the roof of
Kleckholn Elementary school was brought down because of the strong storms. City
leaders hope to clear the streets as best they can to insure a successful Ice Cream
Days celebration can continue with little interruption. The Le Mars Police ask
people to stay away from any downed power lines, and to report it to the Mid-
American Energy Company, but to also notify the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department
of any downed power lines. Stay tune to KLEM radio for additional updates, and
keep checking the KLEM website for additional updates.
Uprooted Treee At Plymouth County Historical Museum
Tree Falls On Tent At Foster Park
Utility Shed Blown Into 12th Street Southeast
50 Foot Tall Tree Topples On To 3rd Avenue Southeast On Courthouse Lawn
City, County, And Private Contractors Use Pay Loader Tractors To Clear Debris From Fallen Tree
Le Mars Police Department Radio Communications Tower Collapses From Roof Of Kluckholn Elementary School Building.
City crews and members of the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department work at cleaning up the tree debris at Foster Park.
Nearly every tree located at Olson Cultural Event Center was damaged from Friday night’s storm
