Storm cleanup progresses, but work remains
City offices have been inundated with calls
By Meagan Sexton Journal staff writer | Posted: Thursday, July 24, 2008
SIOUX CITY -- City workers, residents and tree service businesses are working hard to clear downed trees and branches from storms that blew 85 mph winds through the area early Monday morning.
But the job could take weeks to complete, said Anne Marie Skaggs, administrative assistant for City Manager Paul Eckert.
Severe thunderstorms ripped through Sioux City overnight Sunday, uprooting trees, snapping power lines and creating havoc for citizens.
Jeff Strom, owner of Jeff's Tree Service in Sioux City, said his phone has been ringing steadily since Monday.
"It's been nonstop even today (Wednesday)," Strom said. "We're still just buried."
Skaggs said 300 calls were left on the city Field Services Department voice mail within two hours Monday while three women were answering the phones.
She said the department wasn't ignoring any callers but that when residents couldn't get through they began calling other departments.
"Please don't repeatedly call," Skaggs said. "If you've called once, you're on the list. Be patient."
Eckert's office reminds residents to cut branches no more than 4 feet long and 3/4 inch in diameter and to place them on the parking or in garbage totes.
Kelly Bach, city parks maintenance field supervisor, said Field Services is fully capable of dealing with the damage and is used to dealing with high volumes of phone calls, especially during snow season. She said the public has been pitching in.
"People helped open up a road before we got there," Bach said. "It's been a very good effort. The citizens of Sioux City should be commended for their help."
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, at least 16 customers still were without power in Sioux City, according to the MidAmerican Energy Web site.
Skaggs said no injuries have been reported as a result of the storms.
Meagan Sexton can be reached at 293-4243 or meagansexton@siouxcityjournal.com.
But the job could take weeks to complete, said Anne Marie Skaggs, administrative assistant for City Manager Paul Eckert.
Severe thunderstorms ripped through Sioux City overnight Sunday, uprooting trees, snapping power lines and creating havoc for citizens.
Jeff Strom, owner of Jeff's Tree Service in Sioux City, said his phone has been ringing steadily since Monday.
"It's been nonstop even today (Wednesday)," Strom said. "We're still just buried."
Skaggs said 300 calls were left on the city Field Services Department voice mail within two hours Monday while three women were answering the phones.
She said the department wasn't ignoring any callers but that when residents couldn't get through they began calling other departments.
"Please don't repeatedly call," Skaggs said. "If you've called once, you're on the list. Be patient."
Eckert's office reminds residents to cut branches no more than 4 feet long and 3/4 inch in diameter and to place them on the parking or in garbage totes.
Kelly Bach, city parks maintenance field supervisor, said Field Services is fully capable of dealing with the damage and is used to dealing with high volumes of phone calls, especially during snow season. She said the public has been pitching in.
"People helped open up a road before we got there," Bach said. "It's been a very good effort. The citizens of Sioux City should be commended for their help."
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, at least 16 customers still were without power in Sioux City, according to the MidAmerican Energy Web site.
Skaggs said no injuries have been reported as a result of the storms.
Meagan Sexton can be reached at 293-4243 or meagansexton@siouxcityjournal.com.
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