Public works crews have been working on cleanup efforts after a strong thunderstorm rolled through the Bloomington-Normal area on Wednesday.
The storm which reached the Twin Cities shortly before 3 p.m. had wind gusts that reached 60 miles per hour, according to reports compiled by the National Weather Service.
Bloomington’s public works and parks staff responded to more than 20 reports of downed tree limbs, debris and storm-related traffic hazards throughout the city, including Bloomington Heights, Market Street, Western Avenue and several residential neighborhoods, according to a news release from the City of Bloomington.
Bloomington's Emergency Communications Center handled 107 calls for service during a 90-minute window following the midafternoon storms between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The calls were mostly downed power lines and electrical hazards. Dispatchers also handled calls for an elevator rescue, a brush fire and a citizens assists.
“Our team didn’t miss a beat,” said City Manager Jeff Jurgens in a statement. “From the front office to the crews out in the field, everyone jumped in and worked together to keep things moving and people safe. It was a great example of teamwork and public service in action.”
The Normal Fire Department also responded to various reports of downed trees and power lines and urged drivers to avoid flooded roads and not to pass barricades.
The storm also caused thousands of power outages throughout the area. Much of the Illinois State University campus was without power for hours, prompting a temporary closure of the campus.
