Storm damage reports around Iowa
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The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch until 8 p.m. for most of western and central Iowa. A high wind warning is also in effect. A line of strong storms is moving through the state from west to east, with multiple tornado warnings in several counties. Check Weather Alerts here.
GREENE COUNTY TORNADO DAMAGE:
The Greene County Sheriff confirms widespread tornado damage throughout the county, including major damage on the south side of Jefferson. Sheriff Jack Williams told vlog a tornado moved through the county Wednesday night from the southwest corner of the county to the northeast corner. He confirmed buildings flatted in Jefferson. No injuries have been immediately confirmed. Williams asks that residents stay in their homes as there are power lines down.
ATLANTIC DAMAGE:
Travis small sent photos to vlog of major damage to a machine shed on his property in the Atlantic area near Interstate 80.
POWER OUTAGES:
There are hundreds of reports of power outages around the state. .
THE LATEST:
The Iowa Department of Transportation announced the mile-long bridge on Iowa 415 over Saylorville Lake closed at noon due to high winds.
The DOT also announced the bridge that carries Iowa 14 over Red Rock Lake near Knoxville will close today at 6 p.m. due to high winds.
The Army Corps of Engineers said the Saylorville Lake Dam Road was closed at noon indefinitely due to high winds. Boat ramps and other winter recreation areas are also closed.
Des Moines police said Park Avenue, westbound from SW 61st Street to SW 63rd Street is temporarily closed due to a power line and pole down.
The City of Des Moines closed offices for the day at 4 p.m.
The Iowa Wolves postponed Wednesday night’s game between Iowa and Wisconsin scheduled for 7 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena. The game has been rescheduled to Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena.
TRAVEL ADVICE:
Stay off the roads this afternoon and evening if you can. That's the message from the Iowa DOT. Some drivers are already running into trouble.
An Iowa State Patrol trooper posted pictures of a box truck with its top ripped open along Interstate 80 in Adair County.
The Iowa DOT has already responded to three non-wind-related crashes on I-80 in Iowa City, one of which was a rollover crash.
They've got extra staff working ahead of potential severe weather Wednesday afternoon. They're preparing for their resources to be strained throughout the afternoon and evening.
Andrew Lewis with the Iowa DOT says they are ready to respond to several incidents today. He says if you can get out of work early do so, or better yet stay home and hunker down.
If you have to be on the roads this afternoon, he says to slow down, hands on the wheel at 10 and 2. He said it's also best if you can take a back road instead of a highway.
Avoid high areas like bridges and overpasses where wind speeds are higher and keep space between you and the cars around you, especially semi-trucks.
Polk County Emergency Management is telling people to prepare for roads to be impassible with possible tree damage and overturned vehicles.
POWER:
Utility companies are standing by to fix any potential issues. MidAmerican Energy said they've been tracking this forecast.
Geoff Greenwood says they'll have crews to go at a moment's notice. Since most of the state is experiencing this weather, they aren't able to stage workers. They'll have to wait until damage reports come in.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS:
Many school districts, rural and urban are letting out early. That includes Des Moines Public Schools, dismissing two hours early. Ames Schools are dismissing early based on grade level. Albia Schools are closing at 1 p.m.
Many churches are also canceling evening activities. Check Closings for the latest updates.
RESOURCES:
If your power goes out, know that you can watch vlog coverage on the Breaking News and Weather App, vlog.com or our social media pages.