Iowa. Gov. Issues Disaster Proclamation for Pair of Counties

Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack has issued a proclamation of disaster for Dallas and Hamilton Counties as the result of tornado and severe weather damage that occurred on Nov. 12.

The Governor’s proclamation makes state resources available to the two counties.

Staff from State departments and agencies are at the State Emergency Operations Center at the Joint Forces Headquarters at Camp Dodge in Johnston and are working with local officials, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army in the affected counties to coordinate resources and provide assistance as it is requested. Local officials are continuing to assess damages and volunteers are assisting with clean up.

Currently, state resources in use include: assistance with technical questions about debris disposal from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in the Hamilton County town of Stratford and the Dallas County town of Woodward; and assistance with traffic control in Stratford from the Iowa Department of Transportation and from the Iowa Department of Public Safety in Woodward and Stratford. The Civil Air Patrol will conduct flyovers to photograph the damage in Stratford.

In addition, the National Weather Service has sent teams to Stratford and Woodward to assess the level of tornado activity. Restoration of electrical services is proceeding in Stratford and Woodward.

Vilsack also issued another Emergency Disaster Proclamation suspending the weight limit restrictions on Iowa roadways until 11:59 p.m. Nov. 30, 2005.