Almost on cue, Mother Nature brought high winds to the Milbank area on Saturday, April 6, as if to usher in Severe Weather Awareness Week (April 8-12). The wind on Saturday afternoon was estimated to be 25-40 mph with gusts reaching 50 mph or more. It was more than enough to blow down a power pole just west of Food N Fuel at 103 West 4th Avenue in Milbank.
According to Justin Mathiason, assistant chief of the Milbank Fire Department, the collapse (12:46 pm) damaged a transformer, which broke open and spilled oil on the ground. Mathiason said firefighters blocked traffic until Ottertail could repair the lines over Highway 12. The firefighters also assisted Ottertail employees in mopping up the oil spill. Ottertail replaced the pole and restored power to nearby residences within two hours and the convenience store by 7:30 p.m. According to Kevin Schuelke, head of Grant County Emergency Management, the area involved was concrete and because absorbents were applied, no waterways were affected.
The Red Flag Warning issued on Saturday by the NWS in Aberdeen included Grant, Traverse, Big Stone, Brown, Marshall, Roberts, Day, Spink, Clark, Codington, Hamlin,and Deuel counties.
Reminder: Siren testing to take place tomorrow morning.
Schuelke reminds residents that local siren testing will be conducted on Wednesday, April 10. He emphasized the purpose of the test is to allow people to hear and understand the difference. “Keep in mind that the sirens rotate on poles,” Schuelke added.
The Fire siren will sound at 10 a.m.
The Storm/ Tornado siren will sound at 10:15 a.m.
Sirens Sounds:
-The Fire Alerting siren is a wavering tone that runs 30 seconds or less.
-The Tornado/Storm siren is a steady blast that runs for an extended period of time
Submitted Photo
Staff
No comments so far.
Be first to leave comment below.