PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

It started with one drop, then there was a second and a third, and before you knew it, the Toledo Heights soccer field needed a lifeguard. Between the wind and the rain and everything else that seemed to fall from the sky, last week’s storm was a doozy. Cherry Lake filled back up for a few days, and roads were replaced with ponds. According to Ben Daleske, the Tama County Engineer, there are 18 road closures still in effect, including P Avenue (“Longpoint”) and V18 to Chelsea, which remains underwater.

Flash flooding as well took the rock off the road in many different locations around the county. Daleske told the paper that reconstruction of the roads already started last week with work by fixing the washed-away shoulders of E49 and T47.

“We have a couple of culverts that have been completely washed out and in need of replacement.” Daleske said. “We also have a few bridges that will need work done before we open it up to traffic.”

Highway 8 east of Traer took a hit from some high winds that knocked over some power lines which caused a power outage to Traer, Dysart, and Clutier. The cleanup process for the eight affected poles took a few days as they were high voltage lines.

Ryan Goodenbour, Tama County Emergency Management Coordinator, made this statement about what the county is going through, and what will happen next.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

“The recovery will be ongoing until the water recedes. Until then, it will be difficult to tell exactly what the damages are. I am working on getting flood cleanup kits for those that are affected by flooding. As communities are going through the recovery process, individuals can reach out to the Mid-Iowa Community Action to receive assistance, they can be reached at 641-325-4032 or disaster.assistance@micaonline.org,” he said. “Right now, it is too early to tell if Tama County will receive assistance from FEMA. With Tama County being in the Governor Disaster Proclamation, I am working closely with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management on what the next steps are.”

PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS