It’s sorta fun, I guess, to see pictures on Facebook of people’s kids innocently and gleefully playing in the new fallen snow; oblivious to the disaster that has befallen the entire city of Sioux Falls and surrounding area in the form of an unprecedented downpour of ice from the heavens. Like waves of honey it kept coming down sticking to everything. The sheer weight of it exposed the weak spots of even the most stately trees causing huge branches to rip from their moorings and come cascading onto rooftops, vehicles and power lines. Some remain attached and aloft but broken and mortally wounded waiting for the final insult; a gust of wind to send them crashing below to join the others. When I look outside, especially our property, I can’t help but think of how the Ardennes Forest looked during the Battle of the Bulge when a relentless barrage of German artillery caused the pine trees to explode while trying to blast our boys out of their fox holes.
This street shot of our house more than any other illustrates the degree of destruction and clean up work ahead.
As I write this, a utility truck that was stopped in our neighborhood, has disappeared without checking our backyard and removing the big branch that fell across our power lines so they look like two big “V’s” inches off the ground. We have a “partial” outage..meaning electricity works in about half the house which does include the furnace, refrigerator, TV and internet but not the stove, microwave, washer, dryer and half the lights. I’m told, this is either not that unusual in situations like this or an extreme fire hazard and we should unplug everything and get the hell out. Like that old guy, (Truman..in think his name was) who lived in the shadow of Mt. St. Helens, we’re not leaving. I hope our outcome is better than poor Mr. Truman who ended up buried under a pile of forest trees sent flying for miles by the velocity of Saint Helen’s eruption.
There now, I’ve compared our situation to deadly volcanoes and big World War II battles which isn’t fair, I suppose, but illustrates not only the exasperation I feel about what has happened but the frustration and apprehension I..and thousands of others.. .have about how were going to deal with the aftermath. There’s no way Linda and I can move these big branches off the roof and yard..which will have to wait anyway since there’s a danger of electrocution until somebody shows up from Xcel. I’m still not clear on what the mayor meant by the city disaster declaration? If it’s nothing more than the city picking up branches that you’re responsible for dragging to the boulevard..well, that’s not much comfort to the widow lady sitting alone in the cold and dark waiting for help.
I just wonder how this is all going to play out. How long is the tree trimmer’s list of desperate customers? Will our majestic trees survive or need to be leveled? Will my insurance cover the roof repair?
Hopefully, I’ll have some answers when I join you again next Tuesday unless I was wrong about defying the home evacuation warning and learned a fiery fatal lesson about the hazards of partial power.
10 Responses
Lincoln, NE had similar storm in 1997(?). Still makes me sad. No idea how SF will end up looking.
It is very sad all the damage that has occurred and the disruption to people’s lives. It is so hard to look at all the pictures of all the beautiful trees that have been destroyed. It will take years to recover the trees, the shade they provided and the cool breeze they gave us. There is no worse feeling then when something strikes your home, where you feel the safest in the worst of times. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you that are enduring this horrible event.
Stay put; but stay out of the yard. One of the two hot wires from the transformer on the pole is not making it to your house. Should have been 3 big “V”s.
and don’t use any 240 volt appliances (electric dryer, electric oven). Could energize the downed wire from your house.
^ Ditto to what jp said so well. My thoughts exactly. I can imagine your frustration and exasperation. Maybe there are some young men in your neighborhood that can help you remove the limbs. People pull together in situations like this. Or maybe there are Boy Scout troops, church youth groups or such that do community service projects. Personally i think they ought to get the minimum security, non-violent prisoners to help, especially for those that are unable to remove the limbs and debris themselves. I’m sure you pay enough taxes to keep them comfortable 24/7/365. Most of them should be willing and able to pay back somewhat and provide community service, especially at a time like this. Praying that a sense of peace and calm will envelope you and Linda, and all of Sioux Falls and surrounding area.
Wow, that’s a hard picture to look at. Be careful and pay attention to Charlie’s advice. Our prayers will be with you and all the people of Sioux Falls.
Sorry to all you SFaller’s and others who’ve had to suffer this devastation. Our question is ‘where is the Nat’l Guard to assist ?’ MN has activated theirs, or maybe I missed something ? Is our Guards coming later after the power is restored ?
If not, Pierre get off your @$$. Janklow would of had them there the day of or after.
Happened up in the NE corner several years ago…hundreds of poles, w/out power for up to 8 days – some less. We were fortunate at only 36 hours. However, it happened ib late fall, so the 2-4 inches of ice stayed throughout the entire winter. I can still remeber my son and I ‘chipping/chopping’ the entire pad in front of the garage, and the sidewalk to the front door of 3″ of solid ice….took days! (a little at a time). The marks are still on the concrete! I agree with fsl – where is the SDNG? Surely just because Denny is in China, somebody was left in charge? You folks will need help down there!
MN may have activated the National Guard, but I haven’t seen them, or anyone for that matter. From what I’ve heard they’ve been over in Worthington, but that doesn’t do me any good in Hills, so I have no idea what Gov. Dayton’s “State of Emergency” means. No power since Tuesday night and running on a generator since Wednesday morning. Maybe I can get some reimbursement for the generator, or at least for the gas I’ve put in it………..
i guess i dont see why their calling this a disaster? Spencer sd in 98 was a disaster. Im not saying it wouldnt suck, but christ people, get off your ass, pick up sum trees and go on with your life.