Weekend wind storm whisks through Marion County
A vicious storm blew through Marion County Friday evening, damaging trees, buildings, and knocking out power.
Hillsboro experienced the most damage with downed power lines and tree limbs and debris littering streets and yards.
Weather professionals predicted 80 mph winds for Hillsboro. Marion County Emergency Management Director Michele Abbott-Becker said the winds probably were 40-60 mph.
Most Hillsboro residents were without power until Saturday noon while Westar Energy employees worked at replacing and repairing power lines.
Hillsboro Family Aquatic Center suffered approximately $6,000 in damages to pool furniture due to the winds.
In Marion, the temperature dropped about 20 degrees and there were several strong gusts of wind followed by pounding rain.
The roof of a metal lean-to building on Water Street was blown off, striking a fence and building occupied by Head Start, 203 S. Third. Pieces of the building were strewn across the former railroad right-of-way near Third Street.
Other damages caused by the roof debris were reported by the county that included damage to a court services vehicle.
City crews were out Friday night and Saturday, repairing and replacing electrical lines. Some city residents were without electricity for about an hour Friday night during the storm.
City public utilities director Harvey Sanders reported the roof on a building at the city's water tower was blown off.
Residents cleaned up branches and debris Saturday with a steady stream of vehicles to the city's tree dump.
