The City of Platteville held a news conference to update storm cleanup efforts this morning.

Power was restored to most of Platteville between 8 and 9 this morning.

City Manager Larry Bierke said the “sheer number of downed power lines” impacted the amount of time, about 33 hours, for power to be restored, as well as damage to lines going into the substation. Alliant Energy turned on power in sections to avoid problems if downed power lines were missed. “I know they were taking time to make sure to safely turn on the power,” said Bierke.

Getting into the most damaged area, the area between Harrison Park and Chestnut Street, requires wristbands, which are available at Platteville High School. The affected area is roughly bordered by South Chestnut Street, Harrison Avenue, South Court Street and West Business 151.

Information about whether food in refrigerators or freezers is safe after a power outage can be found at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/poweroutage/needtoknow.asp.

Volunteer cleanup efforts will continue in Platteville today. Volunteers are asked to register at Platteville High School. The next volunteer shift will be at 2 p.m.

Insurance companies are asked to set up at PHS. Cleanup contractors are being required to register at PHS as well.

The Platteville Regional Chamber office on West Business 151 will be open today until 6 p.m. for people who need a break from cleanup efforts.

UW–Platteville is closed today. UWP’s Paul Erickson said a decision on opening campus tomorrow would be made later today.

The Red Cross Multiple Agency Resource Center will be at Platteville High School Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center will have financial and clothing aid and “any other assistance that people without homes need.”

The Red Cross served meals to residents at Jenor Towers Tuesday since the building was without electricity, Bierke said.

With power restored and hot temperatures expected today, Bierke said cooling centers are available at the Municipal Building, the Police Department and the Platteville Senior Center.

A flash flood watch is in effect for Grant, Lafayette and Iowa counties until Thursday morning. Bierke said the city was alert for the possibility of flooding today and tonight.

Bierke said an application for designation as a disaster area could be made up to a month, and “at this time the community is handling things pretty well,” while adding, “It sounds as though Platteville certainly could be eligible.”

Erickson said Engineering Hall, Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium, the greenhouse, and three residence halls — Southwest Hall, Bridgeway Commons, and Rountree Commons — have damage. A meeting will be held this afternoon to determine what needs to be done to make the buildings usable for fall classes.

Erickson said the stadium has significant damage, including two toppled light poles, bent sections of bleachers, damage to the top level of the press box, and "holes in the concrete." He said UW–Madison staffers were coming today to assist in assessing damage.

Another briefing is scheduled for the Municipal Building today at 2 p.m.