(SBA) - On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at approximately 4:00 p.m., a developing storm system began moving across the Missouri River and quickly intensified over Sloan, Iowa in Woodbury County. During the storm, golf ball-sized hail was reported in Sloan and surrounding areas. Four-inch hail was reported near Whiting, IA, causing damage to several vehicles, structures, and crops in both counties.
On June 15, 2024, at approximately 7:00 p.m., another strong storm system that was tornado warned, began moving across the Missouri River. At approximately 9:50 p.m., Correctionville, Iowa residents reported structural damage, large trees down, and a community-wide power outage following a wind event, likely a microburst, which is still being investigated.
The Woodbury County Emergency Operations Center was activated during both events in coordination with local agencies including fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and utility companies who worked through both events to keep the public safe and clear debris. According to Correctionville Mayor, Ken Bauer, “We are very thankful for our fire department, MidAmerican Energy Company, the Woodbury County Emergency Management Agency, and others who worked diligently to keep people safe and restore power quickly.”
In response to the severe weather, Governor Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Woodbury County for State Individual Assistance and Disaster Case Advocacy program at the request of Woodbury County Emergency Management. The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses.
According to Woodbury County Emergency Management Coordinator, Mike Montino, “We want to do everything we can to help assist our citizens, and so we have asked for additional state aid from the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. We also are expecting a continued active weather pattern over the next week, and we encourage our residents to stay vigilant and remain weather aware.”
For more information and to apply for assistance, please visit Woodbury County Emergency Management website or the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance.
