Governor Chet Culver has issued emergency proclamations for Carroll, Cass, Crawford and Sac Counties to allow them to get state help in recovering from the ice storm. Culver is touring the areas today and talked with Radio Iowa after reviewing the damage in Carroll County.
Culver says there is “very severe” damage and the worst ice storm the area has seen since a storm hit in 1988. Culver says the state is working with local officials to help the thousands who have been without power since the storm. He says the key thing the state is supplying are generators to help supply some power.
Culver says the state is providing support to shelters and says the Red Cross has also been very helpful. Culver says even with state help, things are not going to be back to normal right away. Culver says the problems are going to “last for several more days unfortunately.” He says the snow and ice is making it tough to get to some of the downed power lines.
The governor’s other stops today include Breda, and the Cass, Sac and Crawford County courthouses.