Storms sweep through area

A brief but fierce round of storms toppled trees throughout the area Sunday morning. Some parts of Iola were without power for more than 12 hours.

May 4, 2020 - 9:37 AM

Bryan and Alisha Clay proudly display the enormous tree that landed on their house after it was uprooted during a sudden storm on Sunday morning. The Clays had been living in the home on North Third Street for only a month. Both were born and raised in Iola. Alisha Clay said that when the tree fell, it sounded like “the ceiling caving in.” The Clays plan to continue staying in the house, despite some broken rafters and water damage caused by more than half a dozen holes in the roof. Photo by Trevor Hoag / Iola Register

Bryan and Alisha Clay proudly display the enormous tree that landed on their house after it was uprooted during a sudden storm on Sunday morning.

The Clays had been living in the home on North Third Street for only a month. Both were born and raised in Iola. Alisha Clay said that when the tree fell, it sounded like “the ceiling caving in.”

A crew of volunteers helped clean up several yards in Piqua following the storm. Photo by Richard Luken / Iola Register

A large cottonwood tree was toppled onto a carport and van owned by Connie Buller of Piqua.

Electric crews do repairs in Piqua. Photo by Richard Luken / Iola Register

An omenous cloud bank approaches LaHarpe Sunday morning before a severe thunderstorm blows through the area. Photo by Richard Luken / Iola Register

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The Clays plan to continue staying in the house, despite some broken rafters and water damage caused by more than half a dozen holes in the roof.

The storms battered the area with torrential rains and strong winds, measured in excess of 75 mph.

Several parts of Iola lost electricity. Most had power restored within a few hours, although crews worked more than 13 hours restoring electricity to others in town.