Thread by @hellokatepayne

The North Dodge Hy-Vee in Iowa City is back in action, but still no power or fuel at the gas station next door. #iowa #derecho

The perishable food at the 1st Ave Hy-Vee in Cedar Rapids is pretty well picked over this morning, but they’re restocking. #IowaStorms #derecho

As of this morning, phone lines “at all Linn County facilities remain down” per a county release.

You cannot reach Linn County Emegency Mangement by phone. #IowaStorms #derecho

More damage in Wellington Heights in Cedar Rapids this morning. Makes for good tree climbing I guess. Still multiple power lines down on the road in this area.#IowaStorms #derecho

A metal billboard wrapped around a power pole at 3rd & 3rd in Cedar Rapids. I hope nobody else got hit by that thing.

#IowaStorms #derecho

Looks like some kind of roof damage (HVAC?) at the Veterans Memorial Building in Cedar Rapids.
#IowaStorms #derecho

City of Cedar Rapids & Linn County officials are giving their first presser since storm. Rep. Finkenauer is here too.

CR City Mgr Jeff Pomeranz says Monday’s storm is worse than the 2008 flood.

‘This is a greater impact than we’ve ever seen in our community’ #derecho #Iowa

@CityofCRiowa city manager Jeff Pomeranz says the city saw ‘record numbers of calls for service’ in first 24 hours since the storm.

Said hospitals have been “overwhelmed” by people visiting the ERs.

Says the city needs help, can’t do it alone.

#derecho #IowaStorms

@RepFinkenauer calls on @IAGovernor to issue an expedited request for federal disaster declaration as fast as possible.

Voices concern about lack of national coverage. ‘We need assistance in whatever way possible’, from ‘any and all organizations that can set up shelters’ #Iowa

Mike Wagner with Allianz says they expect power will be ‘substantially restored in Cedar Rapids in the next 5-7 days’.

If the meter box on your house is damaged that will take longer, he says that has to be fixed by an electrician before power can be restored #derecho #Iowa

@CityofCRiowa City Manager Jeff Pomeranz says the city is well aware of the ‘National Guard issue’, says the city can’t just ask for it to be activated, must ask for resources, and hope the state responds.

Says city has asked county and st for critical resources #IowaStorms

@CityofCRiowa city manager Jeff Pomeranz says @IAGovernor Kim Reynolds will be visiting the city tomorrow, says he just got a call notifying him during this press conference #IowaStorms #derecho2020

Woah:

@CityofCRiowa Utilities Director Steve Hershner says all facilities, both water and wastewater, are operating on generator power right now.

Says water pressure has been maintained the entire time, and that the systems are in compliance.

#IowaStorms #derecho2020

Officials from the @CityofCRiowa told reporters today they’ve been resorting to handling out leaflets at grocery stores and other key locations to try and communicate about city services and impacts.

That’s how much the #derecho has hamstrung telecommunications here. #iowa

The conditions at the apartment complex at Westdale & 22nd & Wiley Blvd in Cedar Rapids #iowa are just horrific.

Seeing the damage this week from the #derecho, it absolutely is comparable to the aftermath of a hurricane.

These were hurricane force winds, w virtually no notice.

I talked to a woman named Cheryl who lives in this apt complex in Cedar Rapids.

She’s diabetic & hasn’t had insulin in 2 days. Has nothing to eat but bread, running low. Has no power, no internet, no phone, no car.

Told me she’s thinking of eating the cat food.

#derecho

I met Cheryl as she was waiting in line at a food distribution event at the public library a block from her apartment complex.

I had to leave her to run to a city press conference but I believe she should have food now. Sounds like what she really needs is insulin.

#derecho

@IAGovernor Kim Reynolds’ spokesman has confirmed @KCRG’s reporting that Reynolds is mobilizing the Iowa National Guard to Linn County, sending 100 Guard engineers to Cedar Rapids to get to work tomorrow. #iowa #derecho

kcrg.com/2020/08/13/rep…

Here's a statement from the @CityofCRiowa about @IAGovernor Kim Reynolds sending in members of the Iowa National Guard to Linn County tomorrow 👇🏻

#Iowa #derecho2020 #IowaStorms