While most damaging storms had left the Sheboygan area before midnight, Department of Public Works crews wasted no time responding to the numerous downed trees and other damage caused by Wednesday’s powerful thunderstorm winds.
Director of Public Works David Biebel said that it will likely take several days to complete the operation which began immediately after the storms departed, and continued until about 2:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Crews first began clearing roads, an operation that continues as priority number-one. Once roads are open, crews will be working on opening blocked driveways and removing trees from vehicles. Crews will next concentrate on removing trees from on top of houses, a task that needs to be done carefully and which, according to Biebel, may take some additional efforts. Trees or tree limbs blocking sidewalks or laying in the parking lane or terrace will be addressed later.
The DPW office is logging all the locations and working with crews to identify and prioritize these issues, and those needing to report a situation needing attention should contact the DPW via the website, or by calling the office at 920-459-3440, option 7.
Biebel emphasized that efforts must first concentrate on public street trees and is only working on privately owned or resident trees that are within the street right-of-way. Residents suffering private tree damage are encouraged to contact a private tree removal contractor. In addition, the DPW is asking residents to not pile branches or tree debris from private trees in the terrace area for collection, but rather should bring that debris to the drop-off site at 2026 New Jersey Avenue.
Storms causing the damage also inflicted widespread power outages throughout Wisconsin and efforts to reconnect all who lost power will also take some time to repair, and those wishing to check status or report an outage can do so through their utility. WE Energies customers can check their website support center, while Alliant customers can visit here.
