The aftermath along Center Avenue left by a severe thunderstorm system and confirmed tornado that moved through 糖心Vlog传媒鈥檚 southside on Saturday evening, June 22.
The aftermath along Center Avenue left by a severe thunderstorm system and confirmed tornado that moved through 糖心Vlog传媒鈥檚 southside on Saturday evening, June 22.
Anthony Wahl/For 糖心Vlog传媒
JANESVILLE 鈥 糖心Vlog传媒 officials said Sunday it will likely take two days to restore power to parts of the city鈥檚 southside after confirmed EF-2 tornado hit there on Saturday night.
The National Weather Service confirmed Sunday evening that an EF-2 tornado with estimated wind speeds of 115 miles per hour was on the ground for 11 minutes Saturday, from 7:42-7:53 p.m. It tracked from east/southeast of Footville into the city of 糖心Vlog传媒.
As of noon Sunday, a closed perimeter remained in place from Kellogg Avenue to Beloit Avenue, down to Highway 11, back up Center Avenue, and then full-circle to Kellogg Avenue.
糖心Vlog传媒 Police Chief Chad Pearson asked at a press conference Sunday that local residents who don鈥檛 live in the affected area stay away 鈥渁s long as it takes for us to get it deemed safe.鈥
鈥淎s indicated, Alliant Energy isn鈥檛 going to restore power, or at least have it all set up to a safe state, for at least up to two days. From what we鈥檙e being told, there鈥檚 assets coming from outside the state of Wisconsin to be able to help assist with ensuring the power is back up but also safe for our residents to be able clear up the debris,鈥 Pearson said.
Pearson added, 鈥淚f there are any debris near any power lines at this time, consider them live. Don鈥檛 move them until we know it鈥檚 safe for residents to move them.鈥
Deputy City Manager Ryan McCue said the city was assessing the damage with drones.
People may show up to volunteer at the old Rock County Job Center, 1900 Center Ave. until 4 p.m. Sunday. Any residents who need help can go to the old job center for assistance. McCue said the volunteers are unvetted.
Compost site open
The city’s compost site at 525 Black Bridge Road, was open Sunday and will be open to city residents again on Monday. Residents should bring a photo ID to confirm their address. A list of acceptable waste is at .
Aside from 糖心Vlog传媒, there were 50 calls for service in the town of Rock, and some outlying calls in the towns of Plymouth, LaPrairie, Clinton and Bradford, said Rock County Sheriff Captain Josh Lund.
糖心Vlog传媒 School District Public Information Officer Patrick Gasper told the city during the press conference that Jackson Elementary, which is in the closed perimeter, will not have summer school Monday and will be closed.
City residents may call (608) 373-6028 with questions and may check Facebook. McCue said the city will update its Facebook page regularly.
Stay away from downed power lines
In a release issued about 12:45 p.m. Sunday, the city reiterated that people should avoid affected areas on the southside unless they have a reason to be there.
鈥淭he public should remain careful near damaged buildings and fallen trees. Stay away from fallen power lines hanging overhead or on the ground. Residents should assume all downed power lines are live and call 911 to report them.鈥
The city also said:
Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves, and gloves when clearing debris. Learn proper safety procedures and operating instructions before operating any gas-powered or electric-powered saws or tools.
If the power is out, use flashlights instead of candles. If you must use candles, keep them away from anything that can catch fire. Always stay near lit candles. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, and make sure your family knows how to use it.
Fuel-burning equipment creates carbon monoxide (CO), including generators, pressure washers, charcoal grills, and camp stoves. You can鈥檛 smell or see CO, but if it builds up in your home, it can cause sudden illness and death. Never use portable gasoline, coal-burning equipment, or camp stoves inside your home, basement, or garage. Keep them outside and at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent. Use a battery-operated or battery-backup CO detector whenever you use a generator or anything else that burns fuel. If you have a CO detector that starts beeping, leave your home immediately and call 911.
Residents needing resources and shelter should go to the Salvation Army Rock County at 514 Sutherland Avenue. The shelter location at the Dr. Daniel Hale Williams County Resource Center is now closed. With rising temperatures, residents without air conditioning may utilize the Salvation Army facility as a cooling site.
For questions related to the Emergency Operations Center, contact the city of 糖心Vlog传媒 at (608) 373-6025.
