(Juneau) Dodge County was hit by devastating storms Thursday night. Around 6pm, significant storm cells moved through the area which resulted in heavy damage – mainly in the cities of Junea and Mayville. The National Weather Service did confirm that a tornado touched down over Mayville. Many streets and highways were closed due to downed trees and power lines. Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt says thankfully, injuries were minimal.
“Had one person that was transported to the hospital for some injuries here in the city of Juneau,” says Schmidt. “I believe there may have been another minor injury or two that occurred. I have not heard of any other reports in either city…which is a fantastic thing when you consider the severity of the damage.”
Schmidt is asking the public to avoid the Juneau and Mayville areas.
“We are stressing to everybody to please avoid the city of Mayville and the city of Juneau if you don’t live there or [work there].
Mayville Mayor Rob Boelk joined WBEV’s live weather coverage Thursday night and announced that the city was under a state of emergency.
“We have a factory [with roof damage]…property damage…we have trees down all on the south end of town.”
Shelters have been set up in both Juneau and Mayville for those who have been displaced. In Juneau, residents are encouraged to report to the Dodgeland Schools at 401 South Western Avenue. In Mayville, residents can go to the High School at 500 North Clark Street. In the aftermath of the storms, the sheriff praised the community for rallying around those most affected.
“That’s what we do here…that’s why I’m proud to be sheriff here because that’s what our community does…we pull together.”
The Red Cross as well as the Dodge County Health and Human Services also responded to help those in need.
