Fred Leytham of Alliant Energy talks with a resident in Toledo Thursday afternoon following a community meeting at the Aquatic Center. Allison Graham/News Editor

72 hours after the derecho storm most residents from the Tama and Toledo communities are still without power. Alliant Energy spokesperson Fred Lethyam anticipates it will still be a few days before most can flip their light switches and have something actually happen.

Toledo, Tama, and surrounding communities have been without power since the derecho hit Monday. The 106 mph wind storm decimated trees, destroyed roofs and left thousands of people in the dark. The bright side, no one was seriously hurt and no deaths have been reported in Tama County.

“In terms of damage, it’s worse than the tornado in Marshalltown,” Leytham said.

Alliant Energy currently has three crews working in the community with more help arriving tomorrow and Saturday. By Saturday they expects upwards of 500 people working to get power restored. Alliant line workers have been putting in long hours according to Leytham, working from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Some are even staying longer.

Some Toledo residents are starting to see the light. Reports from residents in the northwest part of town including Carlton Street, High Street and North Court have power back as of Thursday night.

The sub station by Corteva/Pioneer is energized according to Leytham. Once they are done in Toledo they will move to the west part of Tama then the east.

Update on Red Cross and National Guard Assistance

Earlier today the News Chronicle published a story about a delay in response from Red Cross and the National Guard.

City of Toledo officials had made multiple requests to Tama County Emergency Management for assistance.

Coordinator, Mindy Benson, said this morning the hold up for the Red Cross was due to new COVID-19 guidelines.

Benson shared later in the day at a community meeting that the Red Cross is working on providing some products for food distribution in the community but that it will be delayed. She expects to hear more regarding assistance from the National Guard tomorrow.

Other updates of note

1. City clerks for Tama and Toledo are currently located at their respective fire stations.

2. Debris removal should be separated between trees, metal and construction equipment

3. A charging and cooling station is located at the Reinig Toledo Civic Center and is open from 7:30 a.m – 7:30 p.m.

4. Those looking to volunteer should check in at either the Toledo or Tama Fire station. Hours will need to be tracked for potential FEMA data.

5. If you have damage to your home please report to Tama County Emergency Management. Information needed is name, address, phone number, if you have insurance and an approximate dollar amount in damage if known.

6. Be aware of price gougers. Anyone offering work should have a peddlers license.

7. Treat all power lines as if they were live

8. Public works in both towns will be making multiple rounds collecting debris

9. Medicap is offering home delivery. The Dollar Fresh pharmacy is currently open.

10. Garbage pickup is still happening

11. Dumpsters for spoiled food disposal are located at the Tama Library and Reinig Center in Toledo.