“A line of powerful storms moved through Grant County [Monday] morning, causing significant damages,” Grant County Emergency Management Director Steve Braun said. “Although the storms passed through nearly the entire county, the worst damaged areas included Cassville, Lancaster, Potosi, Platteville, and Hazel Green. Initial damage reports are consistent with straight line/thunderstorm winds.”
Approximately one mile north of Cuba City, the Dieter farm saw significant damage from straight-line winds. A large portion of the barn was missing and boards from the building impaled the roof and windows of the Dieter's home nearby. Fallen trees and debris from the barn filled the Dieter's lawn Monday.
Just south of Hazel Green, two farms saw signficant damage, each on the opposite side of Sinsinawa Road at the intersection with Hwy. 80. The barn south of Sinsinawa Road was missing a large section. A shed at the farm north of the intersection was completely destroyed with the roof blown across the highway and cinder blocks scattered throughout the yard. The Hazel Green Fire Department was on the scene for several hours waiting for a fallen live power line to be disconnected and moved from the intersection.
In Cuba City, a tree fell on Main Street near Steve's Pizza, damaging the president shield and light fixture. Low-hanging power lines were also reported because of fallen trees.
Near Louisburg, cones blocked the southbound lane of Louisburg Road where power lines were blown over.
Braun estimated that 30 agricultural buildings, including barns, sheds and storage bins, were damaged in the storm, primarily in the southern areas of Grant County around Cassville, Lancaster, Platteville and Hazel Green. Approximately 20 homes had moderate damage and approximately 300 homes were significantly affected by the storms, primarily roof damage from wind and fallen trees.
Braun did report that there were no homes completely destroyed and nobody was injured.
Many were still without power on Tuesday morning and electric crews worked to replace damaged poles. Additional resources were sent to the area and crews were working diligently to restore affected customers.
Residents who need assistance with urgent needs are urged to contact the Grant County Emergency Management Office at 608-723-7171. The Grant County Health Department, Aging and Disability Resource Center, and Emergency Management office are working together to assist families that have urgent or special needs.
Belmont, in Lafayette County, saw significant damage from the storm with trees on homes and vehicles, grain bins dented and the roof blown off a shed.