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Crews cleaning debris in Southern Wisconsin after heavy storms

Families were without power Thursday
Posted at 4:25 PM, May 18, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-19 08:29:31-04

Residents across southern Wisconsin are dealing with toppled trees and other damage after severe storms moved through the area Wednesday.

That meant cleanup for a lot of folks. Some trees went through houses causing lots of damage and neighbors say they didn't see this coming.

Nearly 24 hours after 65 mph winds ripped through Whitewater, Jim and Bonnie Minette were grateful they weren't injured last night.

"Never been hit like this, never, very thankful you know, a lot of bad things happen weather wise to a lot of good people and we're fortunate," said Jim.

A tree shattered the side of their home and ripped off a part of the roof, causing the power to go out.

High winds tore through a barn in Rock County and pulled back tarp over this hay shelter of a dairy farm.

Whitewater city crews working hard all day to clean up chopping downed trees.

Tim Halbach, a meteorologist with the national weather service, was out looking at damage to see if there was a possible tornado.

"Straight line winds which can do much damage as a tornado can do, we're getting right into the peak of it right now from late May through June," Halbach said.

Wednesday’s storms weren't tornadoes but Halbach says this is a reminder to always be ready.

"Just have a plan, be prepared and when those warnings occur, take your shelter," he said.

Because of a power outage Whitewater Schools canceled all classes Thursday as well.

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