Storm downs trees, power lines

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - People were left picking up the pieces from last night's storm.

The National Weather Service reported winds at 58 miles per hour in Tippecanoe County, one point five inch diameter hail and more than two inches of rain in our viewing area.  The combination left lots of work for area residents.

The sirens alarmed as mother nature wreaked havoc on trees, power lines and homes.

"All of a sudden we heard a big old crackling noise and I told my wife, I think there's one of the trees coming down," said Allen Howard, Lafayette resident.

Howard sustained damage to the side of his house on South Ninth and Rosemont.

He was not alone.

Emergency Management directors from Clinton, Miami, Tippecanoe and Warren Counties report downed trees, power lines and flooded roads.

Prophetstown State Park Assistant Property Manager Skyler Hill said describes the damage there.

"Straight line winds, moth ball size hail came down pretty heavily. It only lasted for probably about two or three minutes, but the damage that was done, as you can see with that oak tree, took out about 100 years worth of growth," said Hill.

Over in Battle Ground, Tipmont REMC journeyman Travis Smith said the storm was fierce.

"We couldn't get caught up. Everytime we thought we got ahead the storm kept coming through and we ended up right back where we started," said Smith.

Smith said clean up efforts kept crews working around the clock.

"Repairing downed power lines. Removing trees off of lines. We removed a tree off a house," said Smith.

As for Howard, he reported the damage to his insurance company.  In the meantime he is getting his fair share of spring cleaning.

"I'm hoping in a day or two we'll have it cleaned up," said Howard. 
 

Howard said he loves trees, but he is going to have to say good by to the one that fell against his house.