Gov. Reynolds issues disaster proclamation for Des Moines County

Gov. Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Des Moines County in response to severe storms that occurred on August 27 and continuing. The governor's proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of this severe weather and activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and Disaster Case Advocacy Program. There are several programs available as a result of this proclamation.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants up to $7,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to apply.

The Disaster Case Advocacy Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Tis program closes 180 days from the date of the governor's proclamation. For information on the Disaster Case Advocacy Program, contact your local community action agency or visit iowacommunityaction.org.

For more information on disaster-related programs and resources available to Iowans, visit DisasterRecovery.iowa.gov. Additional resources for preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery is available on the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Department website, Homelandsecurity.iowa.gov

Radar observations from confirm that a severe thunderstorm affected the Burlington area at 8:10 PM, producing severe winds, including gusts exceeding 80 mph, leading to a downburst that resulted in widespread damage. The storm moved west to east. Mount Pleasant, New London and Danville suffered wind damage but the severe part of the storm hit to the east.

West Burlington Menards Climate Controlled Self Storage suffered severe damage. The room blowing off the east end of the building resulted in a wall collapse. Renters received the following notice from the company. “We have just been informed that the Fire Chief has closed down building A until the building is structurally sound. Please understand that this is a fluid situation and our priority is our tenant’s safety. At this time, we do not have a timeline for when the repairs will be done. We do apologize for any inconvenience. We are working as quickly as we can to get the repairs done and will update you as information comes in.” Renters who were able to gain access to the area have reported severe losses due to rain entering the units from above. Reports of the sprinkler system activating were false.

There were several fires in Burlington due to the storm. Besides house fires, Kentucky Fried Chicken as reported on fire. A greenhouse just east of SCC is missing, its parts were blown away by the high winds. Multiple wind damage reports across southeast Iowa. Heavy rain was reported in Middletown. As the storm entered western Illinois it lost in strength -- 60 MPH winds were reported at Biggsville, Raritan and Keithsburg.

Check with the disaster agencies for help.