Destructive winds rip through north-central Iowa, causing damage — Garner declares disaster proclamation

CLEAR LAKE — Destructive winds ripped through the northern half of Iowa last night, causing damage throughout the listening area. 

== There were numerous reports of trees down and wind damage in Clear Lake and Ventura after high winds ripped through the towns. Numerous campers were flipped over at the Clearwater Campground on US Highway 18 between Clear Lake and Ventura, but no injuries were reported. Rockwell law enforcement reported shortly after 2 o’clock this morning that almost every road in town was blocked due to trees down or tree debris, with some property damage throughout town to vehicles and some structures. 

== The City of Garner has made a local disaster proclamation. City Administrator Kelly White and Mayor Tim Schmidt say after experiencing significant wind damage from the storm, the city has made the disaster proclamation, which he says helps them access additional resources and support for storm cleanup and recovery. They say high winds brought down trees, limbs, and power lines throughout the town, and some homes, businesses and properties suffered damage. City and emergency crews have already started working on cleanup, but the proclamation helps speed up the process and work with county and state emergency officials if needed. White and Schmidt ask that people stay out of Garner and allow the space for utility workers, public works and emergency responders to do their work. If your home or property in Garner has damage, you are asked to call City Hall at 641-923-2588, or email [email protected] to report it. 

== The highest recorded wind gusts in the region were 80 miles per hour three miles west-southwest of Algona at 11:19 PM, and 64 MPH three miles WNW of Ventura at 12:05 AM

== As of 5:30 this morning, over 8000 electric customers were without power in north-central Iowa, according to the website poweroutage.us. 

Butler — 3302
Cerro Gordo — 3106
Hancock — 1450
Floyd — 91
Winnebago — 36
Worth — 30
Mitchell — 17
Franklin — 16