Wisconsin governor declares state of emergency for counties hit by storm

June 3, 2000
Web posted at: 4:18 PM EDT (2018 GMT)

MADISON, Wisconsin (Reuters) - Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson declared a state of emergency in 15 counties on Saturday after storms this week caused significant damage.

Spring thunderstorms dumped as much as 8 inches of rain in parts of the U.S. Midwest on Thursday, driving people from their homes and businesses, closing roads and washing out bridges.

At least three tornadoes were spotted in Wisconsin, and softball-sized hail was reported, according to Weather Services Corp.

"We were very fortunate. Throughout the whole series of events no significant personal injuries" were reported, said Ed Gleason, state director of Wisconsin emergency management.

Gleason added that only six to 10 families were displaced by the damage the storm did to their homes.

According to the governor's release, preliminary estimates found the winds and floods caused more than $22.5 million in damages. The estimate does not include damages in five of the counties, where officials continue to measure losses.

So far, agricultural damages total $6 million. However, that number is likely to increase after all counties finish surveying the losses and crop damage is reported throughout the summer.

The governor's declaration paves the way for the state to apply for federal funds to help make repairs in the affected counties. They include Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Juneau, La Crosse, Lafayette, Monroe, Richland, Rock, Sauk and Vernon counties.

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