"70 to 80 percent (of properties) on the west side of Fort Atkinson was annihilated"--Winneshiek County Emergency Management updates Monday night's storm damage

(Photo courtesy of Winneshiek County Emergency Management)

Winneshiek County Emergency Management director Sean Snyder reports the southern half of Winneshiek County was hit especially hard by a large storm last night resulting in extensive property damage.

Snyder reports the triangular area between Fort Atkinson, Calmar, and Ossian sustained significant damage, especially along 220th Avenue.

The city of Fort Atkinson was directly hit by devastating hail and Snyder estimates, "70-80 percent (of properties) on the west side were annihilated by hail." The Ossian area was hit especially hard, with wind damage resulting in lots of trees down. A portion of Highway 52 was impassable for some time because of downed trees.

Snyder says he appreciates the help of over 90 volunteers, members of nine fire departments, Winneshiek County, Chickasaw County and Fayette County, the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office, State Patrol, Alliant Energy and fellow Emergency Managers for boarding up windows and assisting with the cleanup.

The National Weather Service will be in Winneshiek County today to  assess the damage and determine exactly what kind of storm it was.

(Photo courtesy of Winneshiek County Emergency Management)

(Photo courtesy of Winneshiek County Emergency Management)

(Photo courtesy of Winneshiek County Emergency Management)

(Photo courtesy of Winneshiek County Emergency Management)