Southwestern, south central WI hit hard by storms; trees downed, power knocked out

LANCASTER — A thunderstorm carrying high winds knocked down several trees in southern Wisconsin, and also knocked out power to some areas.

Numerous trees were downed in Lancaster. There were also reports of damage to sheds and outbuildings in other parts of Grant County. Grant County Emergency Management director Steve Braun tells WMTV that several homes were also damaged and the power was out in some areas.

One homeowner in Platteville said Monday's storms caused more damage to his trees than a tornado that hit Platteville one year ago.

"I was in my basement watching the storm roll through and suddenly a big gust of wind came up. The pressure must have changed within the house. It actually blew the basement door open and then I watched the tree come down. Winds were blowing real bad," Josh Grabandt said.

Police in Platteville said no injuries were reported.

A homeowner in Cassville came home to check on his dogs during Monday's storms and found them to be okay, but his home was a different story.

"The house has been here since 1896 and it's still standing. A little damage -- but it could have been a lot worse. I'm glad nobody got hurt," Mike Sheilds said.

Winds flipped a camper trailer near Belmont on Monday. Westbound traffic on 151 was being diverted to the shoulder as crews worked to get the trailer upright to tow.

No one was injured.

Trees and power lines were also down in Jefferson County.



Much of southeastern Wisconsin was under a severe thunderstorm watch through Monday afternoon.

WQAD reports a fire station was destroyed by strong storms in East Dubuque, Illinois. It was not yet clear whether the damaged vehicles might include a new fire truck the department reported receiving in June 2014. No injuries were immediately reported.