LAHARPE TOOK THE brunt of the storm, although outages were reported elsewhere. Some places remained without power into Friday afternoon as crews from neighboring communities arrived to help removed limbs from downed power lines.
A thunderstorm accompanied by fierce winds swept through Allen County late Thursday night, downing limbs and trees, severing power and damaging buildings.
The storm’s duration was relatively short but intense. It produced little moisture; about half an inch in Iola and lesser amounts elsewhere.
Power was off in broad areas of west Iola and many other places, where service lines were whipped loose or broken from moorings by falling limbs. Most power in Iola was restored by midnight or a little after, but in Gas and LaHarpe, where it took longer.
Corey Schinstock, assistant city administrator, said Iola crews would pick up limbs placed along the roadside starting Monday.
“We figure the weekend will give residents plenty of time,” to prepare for the pickup, he said.
Farmers were not distressed by the rain that fell. It wasn’t enough to deter the wheat harvest and gave a boost to corn and soybeans.
Scores of trees were downed, as was at least one utility pole. Two unoccupied buildings along Main Street sustained heavy damage. The roof to the old McCord motorcycle shop was blown off. A building near the old Angelia’s Cafe also was toppled entirely.
Another area east of Main Street and south of 10th Street also was hard-hit.
Some vehicles sustained damage. A trampoline was spotted nestled up in a tree in one yard.
Storm leaves scores powerless
